Concerns regarding the procedures were raised at a public meeting after some residents suggested they had not received their neighbour notifications. In response, the Highland Council's Depute Chief Executive asked officers to review the consultation and Planning processes. They found that all relevant procedures were followed appropriately by the Fort William Planning team and the impact of the development on the amenity of local householders was taken into account.
In a statement, the Council added that it is "satisfied that it has complied with the regulations relating to neighbour notification as set down by the Scottish Government", and said it "went above and beyond the minimum requirements for consultation to ensure that the community was engaged with the process."
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In addition to the establishment of a local Stakeholders Group – which met six times in 2012 and 2013 to discuss the development of the campus – the Council advertised the application in the local press and ran two community consultation sessions last May in the Caol Community Centre and Alexandra Hotel ahead of the submission of the planning application.
At these sessions, the plans approved by the Stakeholders Group were put on display, while staff were present to explain the design to visitors. Responses received from the public following the sessions were positive. In June 2013, the formal planning application was submitted, and the local authority has said all residents within 20 metres of the school campus boundary were issued with details of the application.
Councillor Thomas MacLennan, Leader of Lochaber Area commented: "I am pleased that the review of the planning procedures confirms that all processes were adhered to by The Highland Council. This reinforces that the criticism of the Lochaber Area Planning Office was unfortunate and inaccurate."
The new £7m Gaelic Medium Primary School on Ardgour Road is one of three new schools in Fort William that will open over the next 18 months.
(JP/CD)
