Argyll and Bute Council’s Planning Service has been successful with two of its entries to the Scottish Government’s prestigious Awards for Quality in Planning.  The Awards, which were launched 15 years ago, celebrate achievements in planning, from strategic visions to development on the ground.

The Argyll and Bute Woodland and Forestry Strategy won an award in the Development Planning category, and the Craignish Community Plan won a commendation in the Community Involvement category.  Derek Mackay , Minister for Local Government and Planning, presented the awards in a ceremony in the Lighthouse building in Glasgow on the 4 September 2012.

The Argyll and Bute Woodland and Forestry Strategy sets out what the Argyll and Bute Council would like their woodlands to look like over the next 50 years and how they can contribute to the local economy, environment, heritage and the quality of life of communities and residents.

The judges’ reason for the award is that the strategy has been ‘very clever in bringing together planning policy, key agencies, industry and community to work towards and understand a common goal.  From very low resources, this initiative has been successful in multiplying its funding to strengthen delivery impact.  It is an example of how planning and the economy can interact to build skills and maximise return.’

The Council worked in partnership with the Forestry Commission Scotland, LUC Consultants/STAR consultants and Bidwells. 

Syd House, Forestry Commission Scotland’s Conservator for Perth & Argyll said:

“It has been great to be so closely involved in the development of this strategy and to work with people who are committed to ensuring that woodlands in forests throughout Argyll & Bute are managed effectively, efficiently and sustainably for the benefit of people, communities, the environment and the local economy. It’s a very positive approach – and one that we hope will inspire local authorities across Scotland.”

The Craignish Community Plan was developed by the local community in partnership with the council’s planning policy team.  The principle of the Community Plan is to outline a vision for how the Craignish community wants to develop and to set out actions for achieving its aspirations.

This initiative was given a commendation because ’it is an excellent example of how communities can work together to deliver a good quality land-use plan for a small amount of resource, with support from the council.  The simple but effective plan-based document is accessible to all and is used by Argyll and Bute council as Supplementary Planning Guidance.’

Derek Mackay, Minister for Local Government and Planning said

 "I congratulate Argyll and Bute Council on their award for their Woodland and Forestry Strategy and also for their commendation for the Craignish Community Plan at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning. This is the first year that I have had the pleasure of being involved in the awards, and I was struck by the high number of good quality applications, and the innovation and hard work that has clearly gone into these projects. Such good applications are a testament to the continued hard work of the planning profession, and how important it is for us to promote, highlight and celebrate success. Given the standard of the competition, the award and commendation received by Argyll and Bute Council’s Planning Service is all the more impressive, and I congratulate everyone involved."

Colin Haylock, UK President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) said

"Planning is all about creating great places for people. That is why I am delighted that these projects demonstrate how the profession in Scotland constantly strives to use its skills, ingenuity and commitment to make this happen. My wholehearted congratulations go all award winners."

For further information please go to Scottish Government website

• The Argyll and Bute Woodland and Forestry Strategy was funded by Argyll and Bute Council, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government and the European Community Argyll and the Islands LEADER 2007 – 2013 Programme.