Issue - meetings

Report by Head of Development and Economic Growth

The Planning Officer spoke to the terms of the report.  The Isle of Ulva was subject to a successful community buyout on 21 June 2018 under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 by North West Mull Community Woodland Company.  The aim of the purchase was to bring about the social and economic development of Ulva for the benefit of the community and a key objective was the repopulation of the island.  A community masterplan has been prepared as the circumstances of Ulva and its community have materially changed subsequent to preparation of the adopted Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan 2015 which no longer meets the development aspirations of the community.  The masterplan provides a framework for delivery of development in a format which the Council can consider and adopt as a further material consideration in the determination of future planning applications.  The masterplan vision for the Isle of Ulva is to provide sustainable benefits for the community, including the repopulation and regeneration of the island in the short, medium and long term.  It is considered that the components of the proposed Masterplan are appropriate for the sustainable development of the island.  It was recommended that the Masterplan be approved and form a material consideration in the determination of future planning applications.  The Masterplan should be updated as necessary in the event that developments are approved at the site in conformity with the Masterplan which prove to have implications for the delivery of development within the remainder of the site.

Decision

The Committee agreed:

1.    to approve the Masterplan and that it form a material consideration in the determination of future planning applications; and

2.    that the Masterplan should be updated as necessary in the event that developments are approved at the site in conformity with the Masterplan which prove to have implications for the delivery of development within the remainder of the site.

(Reference: Report by Head of Development and Economic Growth dated 28 July 2020, submitted)