The council’s Planning Service is focused on ensuring that Argyll and Bute is open for business and supporting economic growth by offering the high-quality service demanded by business and residential customers.
That’s the message the service gave to the Scottish Government when it presented its 2019-2020 Planning Performance Framework (PPF) Annual Report for scrutiny and scoring.
The Argyll and Bute PPF captures performance throughout the past year. Using case studies and customer feedback, it highlights examples of good practice the Planning Service has delivered in partnership with other council teams, external agencies and businesses.
This includes some of the best examples of sustainable design, community food growing strategy and urban realm projects.
The Planning Service has a very distinct role of protecting Argyll and Bute’s exceptional built and natural environment, including 33 conservation areas and outstanding landscapes, while finding ways of opening up new development opportunities for much needed affordable-homes, essential infrastructure and businesses.
Case studies in the PPF highlight how proposals for sensitive projects reach a successful conclusion. This has been achieved by the service facilitating the delivery of high quality development on the ground, by engaging and consulting with customers efficiently and effectively.
The developments help support fragile local communities by preserving heritage, creating jobs, new homes, promoting tourism and ultimately growing the population.
Councillor David Kinniburgh, Policy Lead for Planning Services, said: “The council constantly strives to improve how it works and to provide a better, more efficient service to customers. This is vital when we are in the business of attracting investment and new residents in the face of stiff competition from other areas as well in the wake of a pandemic.
“Restructure in 2019 saw the council’s planning services more closely integrated with its regeneration work. That puts us in a great place to protect and enhance all the great things Argyll and Bute has to offer.
“We are, first and foremost, open for business. Our planning service is focused on removing obstacles so that people and businesses can realise their ambitions, and we can support economic growth in the area. I am pleased this report highlights this.
“I would like to congratulate our council staff, partners, communities and developers for driving forward positive change in our natural and built environment and making Argyll and Bute a great place to live, work and visit.”