Giving Argyll and Bute’s communities a voice in planning for the future – that is the aim of a new initiative on future planning and investment decisions.
Councillors in Argyll and Bute have approved proposals to create eight specific area-based plans across the area that reflect local investment opportunities and prioritise the views of communities on what services they need and where funding should be targeted.
The aim, in line with national policy, is to ensure that everyone responsible for providing services and looking after assets works in partnership with local communities to improve the lives of people, support inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and create more successful places.
A key element in formulating the new local plans will be involving community councils and development trusts, and public consultations to attract feedback on a shared vision.
The eight local plans will cover the following areas:
- Mid-Argyll
- Kintyre
- Colonsay, Islay and Jura
- Oban and Lorn
- Coll, Iona, Mull and Tiree
- Bute
- Cowal
- Helensburgh and Lomond
The Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Robin Currie said: “The success of these plans will be driven by a genuine partnership approach which allows us to capture the aspirations and views of local communities on what the priorities are for their particular area.
“This will help to ensure that the right initiatives are attracting the right funding whether that be Place Based Investment, Crown Estate funding or Levelling Up support, and will help us to develop a pipeline of projects that truly meets those aspirations.”