Transcript Document

Planning the New
Rural Economy
Fergus Murray
Argyll and Bute Council
Development Policy Manager
Introduction
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Presentation is designed to state some of the
challenges facing Argyll and Bute’s rural economy;
explore what the planning service is trying to do about
it.
Challenges we face in
Argyll and Bute
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Scotland’s urban areas are getting their act together;
Falling and aging population with a continued loss of young,
economically active families;
Divided rural communities with very different agendas;
Dwindling school rolls; continued loss of key rural services
such as shops, hotels, post offices, health care etc;
House costs doubled in 2 years; Plot prices also
doubled/landowners drip feeding the market; acute shortage
of affordable housing in the right place; Sustained demand for
holiday accommodation/second homes, especially on our
scenic coast;
Average household income in Argyll and Bute £26,000;
Average house price £117,000;
Challenges we face in
Argyll and Bute
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Increasingly centralised decision making; Multi layered
bureaucracy Increased legislation pushing up costs
beyond rural economies of scale;
Globalisation; failing traditional industries with
inadequate pay levels; seasonal peaks in employment; a
growing migrant workforce; rapidly changing policy
regimes i.e. CAP reform; water framework directive;
Inadequate funding for regeneration/economic
development; Crumbling and inadequate infrastructure;
roads; leisure; water and sewerage; unable to deal with
a growth agenda;
Climate change; sea level rise, land erosion; increased
flooding/increased rain intensity;
Insufficient skill base to undertake available work;
very difficult to attract/retain skilled staff.
Economic Opportunities
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High quality
products/marketing
The use of
sustainable design/
local sourcing of
materials
Environmental
enhancement and
pollution control
Gateway to National
Park / Marine
National Park
New technology
/home working/
knowledge economy
Land/crofting reform
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Renewable energy/
waste minimisation
/recycling
Environmental
tourism in all its
forms
Forestry
diversification
/Research &
Development
National/Regional
Leisure opportunities
/Lifestyle
opportunities
Transport
improvements
Planning response in
Argyll and Bute
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Structure Plan advocates a sustainable growth agenda; Seeks a win/win
scenario; biodiversity maintenance; precautionary; and the polluter pays.
Introduces 8 development control zones
Advocates Estate/farm diversification plans and coastal framework plans;
Advocates sustainable development principles
Local Plan Introduces Potential Development Areas and Areas For Action to
target investment; help take a longer term view; ensure a master-planned
approach that allows flexibility;
Identifies/releases more land, with an emphasis on affordable housing and
business diversification; quality counts;
Promotes our key rural towns (Oban; Dunoon; Rothesay; Cambeltown &
Lochgilphead) for additional investment through Areas For Action and where
appropriate comprehensive Action Plans;
Encourages smaller communities to prepare their own settlement plans and
design statements;
Introduction of a sustainable design guide with detailed siting plans prepared
for more pressured areas;
Introduction of a sustainable checklist for significant developments;
Introduction of a series of sustainability indicators.