Orkney Islands Council (OIC) is inviting residents to submit their views on planning guidance linked to Orkney's historic sites and cultural heritage.

The guidance, along with supervision relating to the county's natural environment, is set to be updated and draft proposals have been published today, 20 October.

A six-week consultation on the documents has now been launched and the public is encouraged to provide ideas to help shape their final versions

One set of guidance provides a range of information about the planning process when developments are likely to have an impact on the buildings, archaeological remains and other sites that form Orkney's historic environment and cultural heritage.


The other document provides similar advice and guidance for projects involving Orkney's natural environment and includes updated information about areas identified as Local Nature Conservation Sites.

The council's Planning Manager, Stuart West, said: "Development proposals are assessed through the planning process to ensure that they would preserve or enhance the significance of any sites they may affect, as well as for their potential to support the social and economic development of the county.

"Both sets of supplementary guidance detail how planning applications will be considered and determined by the Council once the emerging Local Development Plan is adopted.

"We ask anyone considering a project that could have an effect on Orkney's natural, historic and cultural heritage to refer to the relevant guidance at an early stage in the design and development process and to contact the Council for advice."

To view the documents, visit here.

(LM/CD)