Consultation starts on Modified Plan for Caithness and Sutherland

30th September 2016

For publication on Friday 30 September when consultation portal becomes "live"

The Highland Council has today (30 September) launched a modified version of the Proposed Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan (CaSPlan), which sets out the vision and strategy for the area over the next 20 years.

Following a report presented to the Sutherland County Committee and Caithness Committee on 30 and 31 August 2016, the Caithness Committee decided to propose the removal of two site allocations in Thurso - Site TS12 East of Burnside for Community/public park use and Site TS14 Land West of Caravan Park for Business, Tourism and Leisure which was intended to provide opportunity for hotel development. Due to these two significant changes a Modified Plan requires to be consulted on.

David Cowie, a Principal Planner in the Development Plans Team, explains: "The vast majority of the Modified Plan remains the same as the Proposed Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan which was consulted on from 22 January to 18 March 2016. However, due to these significant changes we are required to hold an extra period of consultation on a Modified Plan and we have taken the opportunity to include a small number of minor modifications to other parts of the Plan at the same time."

“If you previously submitted a comment to the Proposed Plan consultation, and your views remain the same, please note that your comment will be carried forward and you do not need to resubmit it. We are particularly keen to hear now what people think of the proposed changes to the Plan.”

A 6-week public consultation will run from 30 September to 11 November 2016. Anyone wishing to read the Plan and submit comments is encouraged to do this via the Council's consultation portal at consult.highland.gov.uk.

Anyone who wishes to make any comments should follow the instructions on this website. Any issues regarding access or use of the website (for example if you cannot access the internet) should be directed to the Development Plans Team on 01349 886608, who will provide an alternative method for submitting comments.

A copy of the Plan is also available to view at public libraries (including mobile libraries) and the Council’s service points within the Plan area (and Tain), and at planning offices in Wick (Caithness House), Golspie (Drummuie Offices) and Inverness (Council HQ) during the consultation period.

Comments must be received by the Council no later than 12 noon on 11 November 2016.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

 
Views sought on proposals to introduce Short Term Let Control Areas in Highland

A public consultation opens today on proposals to introduce Short Term Let Control Areas (STLCA) in Highland with the aim of striking a better balance between tourism growth and local housing need.   The Highland Council is seeking views from residents, communities, businesses and the tourism sector on proposals to introduce two STLCAs: Inverness City STLCA, which would cover the wards of Inverness West; Inverness Central; Inverness Ness-side; Inverness Millburn; and parts of Inverness South, including Westhill, Milton of Leys and Slackbuie, and; Highland Rural STLCA, which would cover the wards of Lochaber; Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh; Sutherland; Skye and Raasay; Aird and Loch Ness; and parts of Inverness South, including Tomatin and Daviot.  

10/5/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's Ambitious Capital Spending Plans Face Delays Due To Scottish Government Deficit Realities

The financial pressures facing both the Scottish Government and councils could create major risks for ambitious long-term capital programmes such as The Highland Council’s Highland Investment Plan (HIP), including the proposed £100 million redevelopment of Thurso High School into a major community campus.  However, the picture is complicated because projects like Thurso are also politically and economically important for the region.  

6/5/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council’s Debt Crunch: Rising Borrowing Costs Put 20‑Year Capital Plans Under Pressure

Highland Council is heading into a tougher financial climate than at any point since the financial crash and the pressure is coming from a direction that residents rarely see: the cost of government borrowing.   Following the UK’s latest rise in borrowing costs, the price councils pay for long‑term loans has increased again.  

5/5/2026 : Local Authority

Will Governments Override Local Councils to Build Wind Farms and Battery Storage? A Look at the UK’s Energy Shift

As the energy crisis continues to reshape policy across the UK, a key question keeps coming up.  Will national governments override local councils that refuse planning permission for renewable energy projects like wind farms and battery storage sites? The short answer is this is already happening and it’s likely to increase.  

29/4/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness Committee sets garage rates for year ahead

Garage rents in Caithness are set to increase by 10% for garage rent 2026/27 and 15% for garage sites, as agreed at the recent Caithness Area Committee (Monday 27 April).   There are currently 492 garages and garage sites across Caithness, 126 of which are currently void.  

28/4/2026 : Local Authority

Short Term Let Control Area In Badenoch and Strathspey Has Slowed More Properties Joining - See Highland Wide Tougher Rules

Early indications suggest that the introduction of a Short Term Let Control Area (STLCA) for Badenoch and Strathspey has slowed the growth of secondary short-term lets across the area.   The STLCA for Ward 20, which covers Aviemore, Carrbridge, Boat of Garten, Dalwhinnie Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie, and Newtonmore, has been in place for two years and was one of the first to be designated in Scotland.  

24/4/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council signs Memorandum of Understanding with Ukrainian region

The Highland Council has confirmed the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State (Military) Administration in Ukraine.   The MoU acknowledges bonds of friendship and common aims to promote knowledge transfer, educational and trade exchanges, and encourage investment opportunities between the two regions.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Accessible Voting at the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election – Support Available for Voters

As the Scottish Parliament Election approaches on Thursday 7 May 2026, we are ensuring that voting is accessible to voters.   Polling stations across the Highlands will be open from 7am to 10pm.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Thurso provides feedback on £100 million investment plan

Consultation in Thurso has found strong support for investment in a Community Point of Delivery (PoD) that serves the whole town and delivers wider benefits beyond the replacement of ageing school buildings.   Local people described the proposed development of an education campus on the current Thurso High School site and surrounding area as an opportunity to create a civic asset for the whole community, bringing together education, sport, leisure, health, art and social facilities.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Housing Under Pressure: What the Latest Caithness Committee Report Really Tells Us

The latest Highland Council Caithness Committee Housing Management Performance Report (2025–26) offers a detailed snapshot of how social housing services are performing across the region.  On the surface, it is a routine governance update—tracking repairs, allocations, rent collection, and tenant satisfaction.