Feedback sought on updated planning framework for Dounreay

14th November 2013

Photograph of Feedback sought on updated planning framework for Dounreay

Tomorrow (15 November 2013) The Highland Council launches a public consultation on the Dounreay Planning Framework 2: Draft Supplementary Guidance.

The Highland Council approved the existing Dounreay Planning Framework in January 2006, as a land use development brief against which to regulate and control future decommissioning and restoration works proposed at the former nuclear power research site at Dounreay, near Thurso in Caithness.

Councillor Deidre Mackay, Chairman of the Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee said: “The Highland Council working with Dounreay Site Restoration Limited has reviewed the existing framework, prepared Dounreay Planning Framework 2 (DPF2) as a draft and now invites comments on it. It presents an up-to-date overview of the policy context, regulatory regimes, site restoration programme and decommissioning works, providing explanation of the wider context for the component developments that are anticipated to be required.”

Carl Beck, DSRL’s Planning Applications Manager, said: "The second edition of the Dounreay Planning Framework brings up to date the latest plans for decommissioning and restoring the Dounreay Site. Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd have worked closely with the Highland Council to produce a land use plan to support the Highland wide Local Development Plan. DSRL fully support the consultation process and welcome stake-holder and public engagement."

Draft DPF2 may be viewed free of charge during normal opening hours at: the Public Libraries in Thurso, Bettyhill, Wick and Helmsdale; on the Far North and Brora Mobile Libraries; in Highland Council Service Points in Thurso, Bettyhill, Durness, Wick, Helmsdale and Brora; at dounreay.com (7 Olrig Street, Thurso); at Council HQ (Planning Reception) in Inverness or may be viewed via ‘Planning Consultations’ at www.highland.gov.uk/developmentplans

Anyone wishing to submit comments on Draft DPF2 is asked to use the Council’s response form which includes the consultation questions set out in the document and details of how to submit the comments. The form is available on the Council’s website or by contacting the Council using the details below. The deadline for comments to arrive with the Council is 5pm on Thursday 16 January 2014.

All comments received by the deadline will be considered by the Council before DPF2, with any amendments, is finalised and adopted as Supplementary Guidance to Policy 24 of the Highland-wide Local Development Plan.

Anyone with a question can look at the information on the Council’s website or otherwise contact The Highland Council Development Plans Team on (01349) 886608 or by e-mail to: devplans[AT]highland.gov.uk

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

6/3/2026 : Local Authority

My Highland Future showcases ambitious plans for employment and apprenticeship growth

My Highland Future showcases ambitious plans for employment and apprenticeship growth.   My Highland Future's ambitious plans to boost employment, apprenticeships and skills development across The Highland Council are being highlighted throughout Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 (2-6 March) with a commitment to expand the Council's in-house apprenticeship and career development pathways, while encouraging and supporting Highland businesses to get involved.  

5/3/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Graduate Apprentices support Scottish Apprenticeship Week

Four architecture and engineering Graduate Apprentices from Highland Council have taken part in an event for local schools to celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026.   More than 40 students from Inverness schools attended a construction and engineering event at Bught Park Pavilion yesterday organised by engineering company, Rybka and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW).  

5/3/2026 : Local Authority

 
New Naver Bridge welcoming traffic

The New Naver Bridge, located in Bettyhill along the A836, is now open to traffic.   Though currently open only as single carriageway, the new bridge, which is part of the North Coast 500, welcomed its first cars at the end of February.  

27/2/2026 : Local Authority

Highlife Highland Returns to Normal Financial Operating After Covid Support Ends

In the 2026/27 budget proposals, The Highland Council plans for High Life Highland (HLH) to return to a sustainable financial model following its post-COVID recovery period.   The key changes and expectations for HLH in the 2026/27 financial year include.  

27/2/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council Allocates More Cash For Schools in Budget Proposals

The Highland Council's budget proposals for 2026/27, announced in February 2026, include several key funding allocations for schools aimed at infrastructure and specialized service support.   Capital Investment & Infrastructure Highland Investment Plan: The council proposes to set aside 2% of its annual Council Tax revenue specifically for this plan.  

27/2/2026 : Local Authority

Highland council maintains no redundancy policy by hard vacancy management

For the 2025/26 and 2026/27 budget periods, Highland Council has avoided mass redundancies, instead managing staff reductions through vacancy management and redeployment.   Staff Reduction Levels & Strategy Vacancy Management: The primary method for reducing staff levels is "non-replacement"—leaving posts unfilled when staff leave or retire.  

27/2/2026 : Local Authority

Huge Hike in Empty and Second Home Council Tax In Highland Council Budget Proposals

In the Highland Council 2026/27 budget proposals, the council plans to significantly increase council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties to address the region's housing crisis.   These "scorching" increases follow the removal of the previous legislative cap under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025.  

27/2/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Balanced Budget For 1926/27 - Council Tax Increase 7% - Some Staff Posts Being Deleted

The Highland Council will meet on Thursday 5 March to consider a three-year financial plan, which sets out recommendations to deliver a balanced budget, alongside additional investment in adult social care, housing, education, workforce development, and roads.   The report outlines the challenges and opportunities faced by the Council alongside the administration's budget proposals, which, if agreed, would see: A 7% increase in Council Tax - 5% to support the delivery of vital Council services, plus 2% to support the Highland Investment Plan, a £2.1 billion, 20-year capital investment programme to deliver improvements in schools, local infrastructure and services.  

26/2/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Gaelic's growing role in the Highlands and Islands

Gaelic plays a significant role across the Highlands and Islands, contributing to community resilience, cultural development and sustainable economic growth.   Having a powerful social, cultural and economic role in the Highlands and Islands, its value to local people and businesses has never felt stronger.  

25/2/2026 : Local Authority

Highland School attainment: an improving picture underpinned by strategy and action - Wick School Highlighted

Attainment at Highland schools is improving, shaped by strategic changes and a targeted plan of action.   Today (Wednesday 25 February) Highland Council's education committee discussed the latest attainment update, which showed the progress being made in meeting the crucial targets of raising attainment and reducing the poverty related attainment gap.