An independent review into Scottish planning procedures has recommended that island authorities like Comhairle nan Eilean Siar should have more flexibility in assessing and deciding planning applications.
The report of the Independent Review Panel “Empowering Planning to Deliver Great Places” makes 48 recommendations for streamlining the planning system.
The review will be used to inform the development of a future Scottish Government programme of planning reform.
On drawing up development plans, the report said: “Given their special circumstances, the island authorities should be given more flexibility where this would better reflect the distinctive local context for planning in an island setting.”
Planning review advocates more flexibility for islands
6 June 2016
It emphasised: "An example of this could include encouraging broader and more creative use of schemes of delegation. Scope for the islands, and any other relevant authorities, to bring forward integrated terrestrial and marine plans should also be considered further."
Norman Macleod, chair of the comhairle's planning committee, said: “It is right that specific island considerations should be taken into account in planning issues and I welcome this recommendation of more flexibility for island authorities which sits comfortably with the objectives of the Our Islands Our Future campaign.”
The report also criticised the "outdated" practice of using local newspaper to advertise planning applications because advert costs are high and returns low value.
It welcomed councils which used internet sites which is a more "resource efficient and effective way" of communicating to the wider public.
The review highlighted training of councillors involved should be "mandatory, monitored and enforced" to improve performance.