Step forward for Plan that will shape development of Inner Moray Firth for next 20 years

The new Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan took a major step forward yesterday (Wednesday 14 May) when members of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee confirmed the Council’s position on issues raised during consultation. The Plan, which sets out the Council's proposed policies and site allocations to guide development in the Inner Moray Firth area over the next 20 years, will now be passed to Scottish Ministers to enable it to be examined by independent Reporters.

The Proposed Plan has been produced following extensive engagement and consultation through the Call for Sites process, Main Issues Report and the Alternative Sites and Uses consultation.  In November last year a widely publicised public consultation was launched which included information events and the sending of 15,000 letters to properties adjacent to sites proposed for inclusion. Almost 1,300 separate comments were received from over 700 separate customers during the consultation.

The committee meeting gave members the chance to confirm the council’s responses to comments received and  these will now be referred to the Reporters for consideration at Examination.

The Plan will now be re-published and submitted to Scottish Ministers. An independent examination of the Plan will take place over the summer and autumn with receipt of the Reporter’s report expected at the end of the year before the full adoption of the Local Plan in 2015

Chairman of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Thomas Prag said:  “We have reached a major land mark and I really want to thank all the members of the public , local communities, businesses and other agencies for getting involved in the whole process and actively helping to shape the Plan.

“Their input has been invaluable, not only in understanding priorities of areas for development, but also to discover areas people want to see safe guarded for generations to come. It is also worth noting that all points of views submitted will be considered by the Reporter.

“To get this far has taken an enormous amount of work so I also want to pay credit to all the staff for their fantastic work as it has been an incredible task.

“Everyone involved has played a part in helping us to produce what I believe is an inspiring Plan that will allow us to go forward with the confidence, creativity and inspiration that matches the ambitions we all share for a successful and thriving future.”

ENDS