Oban Action Plan

Developing Oban as the Capital of the Western Highlands and Islands
An t-Oban, prìomh-bhaile na Gàidhealtachd an Iar is nan Eilean

Oban forms the gateway to the Western Isles is a major growth centre within Argyll and Bute and has a key role to play in generating new economic activity in the Western Highlands and Islands.
Oban has in recent years experienced significant growth. Developments such as the Scottish Association of Marine Sciences (SAMS), the new Ferry Terminal and Linkspan, major retail developments and District General Hospital all support Oban’s re-classification as an urban centre.

The Action Plan for Oban sets a strategic framework complementary to the Argyll and Bute Development Plan to support growth and enhance the quality of place and sustainable performance of Oban as the regional capital of the Western Highlands and the Islands.

The Argyll & Bute Structure Plan predicts population growth of 1% per annum (979 persons) for Lorn & The Inner Isles by 2012 set against a Argyll and Bute decline of 1.5%. Urban growth has exacerbated land and infrastructure capacity issues with the town now suffering from utility capacity constraints, seasonal town centre traffic congestion, a shortage of affordable housing and constrained land supply.

Action Plan to Support and Deliver Growth The aim of the Oban Action Plan is to guide the delivery of proposals for Oban complimentary to the emerging Argyll & Bute Local Plan in a way that will:

• articulate the vision for the growth of Oban to allow it to fulfil its role as the regional centre for the West
  Highlands and the Islands.
  
• review the key infrastructural constraints in Oban (road access, water and drainage) and identify a programme and mechanisms for delivery of new and/or improved infrastructure to facilitate development
  
• identify the opportunities and infrastructural constraints for early development in the Dunstaffnage-Connel corridor
  
• identify and define a series of development projects for Oban’s five Areas for Action: South Pier/ Railway Pier; George Street/ North Pier; Esplanade; Oban Bay; and Oban Airport
  
• identify the appropriate vehicle for the management of Oban Harbour