What the committee does
The South Planning Applications Committee (SPAC) oversees non‑delegated planning, enforcement, building standards, listed buildings, hazardous substances, high hedge matters, energy consultation responses, and related statutory functions.
Read the committee’s minutes and agendas
Its remit includes:
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delivering development management and enforcement functions under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended), where these powers:
- are not reserved to the Highland Council
- are not reserved to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee
- are not delegated to officers or where officers have declined to use their delegated powers
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receiving reports on Proposal of Application Notices for:
- national developments (as defined by section 3A(4)(b) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997)
- major developments (as defined by section 26A(2) of the same Act)
Members may comment on issues related to proposed developments but must not discuss their merits.
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exercising building standards functions under the Building Standards (Scotland) Act 2003 (as amended), where powers are not delegated to officers or have been declined by officers
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exercising statutory functions under:
- the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended)
- the Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended)
where powers are not delegated to officers or have been declined by officers
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considering proposals under:
- Part 6 (enforcement)
- Part 7 (trees, amenity and advertisements)
- Part 12 (Crown Land)
of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended)
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responding to consultations from Scottish Ministers on energy developments under the Electricity Act 1989, including section 36 and section 37 applications, unless otherwise delegated to officers
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exercising responsibilities under:
- section 87 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (repair of buildings)
- the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 (planning and building certificates)
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appointing the Chair and Vice Chair of the committee
High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013
Unless otherwise reserved by the Highland Council or delegated to another committee or officers, SPAC is responsible for:
- deciding whether to take action following an application for a high hedge notice under section 6
- deciding whether to vary or withdraw a high hedge notice under section 10
- deciding how the Council wishes to respond to an appeal to Scottish Ministers (written submissions, hearing, public local inquiry, or other available method)
- instructing the reporting of any offence under the Act to the Procurator Fiscal
- exercising any powers normally delegated to officers where officers have declined to use those powers
SPAC also holds all powers and duties of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee.
Further details about the committee’s remit and delegated powers are available in the council’s Scheme of Delegation.