Simplified Planning Zones: Proposed Closure of Project

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ARGYLL & BUTE COUNCIL  POLICY AND RESOURCES
COMMITTEE 
LEGAL AND REGULATORY SUPPORT  15 AUGUST 2024 
EXTRACT OF MINUTE OF PLANNING, PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND LICENSING
COMMITTEE HELD ON 22 MAY 2024 
*4.    SIMPLIFIED PLANNING ZONES: PROPOSED CLOSURE OF PROJECT 
A report advising of the proposed closure of the Scottish Government Simplified Planning
Zones (SPZ) Pilot Project, which was being progressed jointly by Development Policy
(Planning and Regulatory Services) and Housing (Community and Culture) in association
with a private development on behalf of the Scottish Government, was considered. 
Argyll and Bute proposed a project for the pilot that consisted of a remote rural island
location (Mull) with a green field site in private control and a Main Town (Lochgilphead)
location on a brown field site in Council ownership.  Due to a range of issues it has
become unfeasible to progress the project to a successful conclusion. 
Decision 
The Committee agreed to: 
1. note and consider the information in the report; 
2. recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee, the closure of the project with the
return of unspent monies to the Scottish Government; and 
3. continue to support the development of the sites through the normal planning process,
utilising information gained during the project where possible. 
(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and
Economic Growth dated 7 February 2024, submitted)