Issue - meetings

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

A report advising of the proposed closure of the Scottish Government Simplified Planning Zones (SPZ) Pilot Project, which was being progressed jointly by Development Policy (Planning and Regulatory Services) and Housing (Community and Culture) in association with a private development on behalf of the Scottish Government, was considered.

Argyll and Bute proposed a project for the pilot that consisted of a remote rural island location (Mull) with a green field site in private control and a Main Town (Lochgilphead) location on a brown field site in Council ownership.  Due to a range of issues it has become unfeasible to progress the project to a successful conclusion.

Decision

The Committee agreed to:

1.    note and consider the information in the report;

2.    recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee, the closure of the project with the return of unspent monies to the Scottish Government; and

3.    continue to support the development of the sites through the normal planning process, utilising information gained during the project where possible.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 7 February 2024, submitted)