Caithness Committee adopts Caithness Area Place Plan

At a meeting of the Caithness Committee held earlier today (Monday 28 April) members agreed to adopt the Caithness Area Place Plan. They also agreed to fully support and promote the plan where possible, giving it consideration within other plans, strategies, development and funding opportunities across or impacting the Caithness area.

The Caithness Area Place Plan (APP) is ambitious but realistic, covering the aspirations within communities and focusing on outcomes for the whole area. It will help inform local and regional decision making about public services, budgeting and policy areas, as well as informing those wider statutory plans. It recognises the good work already taking place in Caithness and supports community action to make the most of opportunities.

Chair of the Committee, Councillor Jarvie said: “The Caithness APP is about communities, and their views, opinions and ideas are at the core of this plan. As well as in partnership with communities, the Caithness APP has been developed in partnership with various services, organisations.

“The depth of the data at a community level we have captured is a fantastic starting point. It is a resource for everyone, from small groups to large organisations to show levels of need and demands. However as Local Councillors, the next steps we take of how to put this into action, and make this plan a real plan that makes a difference on the ground, is the ultimate test."

The aspirations have been categorised under the headings of People, Place and Prosperity.

The Committee have agreed the next steps for progressing the work set out in the plan.

Councillor Jarvie added: “I’d like to thank all the individuals, stakeholders and local community groups for coming along to the sessions we held and playing a proactive role. Their input into the process has been invaluable. I’d like to especially thank all the young people who provided feedback as it was important their voices were heard as part of the preparation work.

“Through our discussions, it became clear that many community priorities and aspirations reflect those which have been voiced for some time, but also that new upcoming ideas and opportunities were being identified.

“Going forward our APP will help us and our communities secure funding for Caithness by evidencing the impact of every pound spent here. The associated actions will provide clarity and manage expectations around how and where resources are prioritised. It will also provide a stronger framework for communities to prepare more local plans, should they wish to, empowering them to drive and deliver change in our towns, villages, communities and settlements.”