Another community group has backed calls for a review of the planning system at Highland Council.
Speaking in response to a report in Monday’s Press and Journal calling for planning applications and decisions to be moved back to area committee level, Spean Bridge community council chairman John Fotheringham said it had been waiting “years” for some planning applications.
Calls for Highland planning system to change back to local committees ‘for the sake of democracy’
Mr Fotheringham said: “We have a number of sites in Spean Bridge that are desperate for development, and there are planning applications that are outstanding.
“In some cases we are concerned that people might think if they buy a plot they will be able to build on that site, but we have never had that confirmed by planners.
“The planning department locally doesn’t have enough staff to deal with the workload. It is time for a rethink.”
A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: “Any representations made to any planning application will be taken into consideration by an officer. Their comments will be considered and addressed in the report of handling.
“Where a referral to the planning committee is triggered then any party can attend and view proceedings. All correspondence referred to in the committee report can be viewed on line by members. All planning meetings are webcast and are available to all to view.
“The existing facility at the council offices in Inverness allow all planning meetings for both the North and South committee to be web cast. Whilst people may not always be able to attend the meetings themselves on the day they can always view the proceedings thereafter.
“The two Area Planning Committees each comprise democratically elected members from across the respective area.
“Local Ward Members can also request that an application be referred to committee and this action is triggered when two or more local ward members submit such a request.
“The local Area Committees already scrutinise various stages of the preparation of Local Development Plans and this has a significant influence on how planning applications are determined.”