Issue - meetings

Update by Forestry and Land Scotland

The Group considered an update from Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS). The update included information around the timber market; local outbreaks of phytophthora ramorum disease in larch trees and measures being taken to reduce the spread of same; work with developers on windfarm proposals in the local area; early stage work around peatland restoration; the success of the Stay the Night scheme; the revision of local Land Management Plans (LMPs); and work being undertaken on the Inveraray to Crossaig Reinforcement Project which included areas of FLS land. 

Jeni West also provided a presentation to the Group which included information around the vision, mission, background and purpose of FLS. The presentation also provided information on the work of FLS at a national and local level, and how this links with corporate and national outcomes. Jeni particularly highlighted the successes, challenges and opportunities experienced in the West Region.

Lucy Sumsion requested further information in relation to the work around peatland restoration and Donald McNeill confirmed that this was in the very early stages but he would be happy to provide further information at future meetings of the Group.

Valerie Nimmo raised concerns around windfarm developers using FLS land and not providing community benefit or adhering to Scottish Government Guidelines on Good Practice. Donald advised that a national dedicated Renewables team was responsible for setting out relevant criteria with windfarm developers such as community benefit, however there were difficulties in that there were no legislative requirements for this. Donald provided assurance that FLS would continue to encourage and endorse the principles set out in the relevant Scottish Government guidelines. Lucy suggested that community benefit responsibilities could sometimes be a condition of planning consent, and noted that this may be worth exploring if Valerie remained concerned.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Update by Donald McNeill, Planning Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland, submitted and presentation by Jeni West, Planning Forester, Forestry and Land Scotland, tabled)