1. Planning the New Rural Economy Fergus Murray Argyll and Bute Council Development Policy Manager

2. Introduction Presentation is designed to state some of the challenges facing Argyll and Bute’s rural economy; explore what the planning service is trying to do about it.

3. Challenges we face in Argyll and Bute Scotland’s urban areas are getting their act together; Falling and aging population with a continued loss of young, economically active families; Divided rural communities with very different agendas; Dwindling school rolls; continued loss of key rural services such as shops, hotels, post offices, health care etc; House costs doubled in 2 years; Plot prices also doubled/landowners drip feeding the market; acute shortage of affordable housing in the right place; Sustained demand for holiday accommodation/second homes, especially on our scenic coast; Average household income in Argyll and Bute £26,000; Average house price £117,000;

4. Challenges we face in Argyll and Bute Increasingly centralised decision making; Multi layered bureaucracy Increased legislation pushing up costs beyond rural economies of scale; Globalisation; failing traditional industries with inadequate pay levels; seasonal peaks in employment; a growing migrant workforce; rapidly changing policy regimes i.e. CAP reform; water framework directive; Inadequate funding for regeneration/economic development; Crumbling and inadequate infrastructure; roads; leisure; water and sewerage; unable to deal with a growth agenda; Climate change; sea level rise, land erosion; increased flooding/increased rain intensity; Insufficient skill base to undertake available work; very difficult to attract/retain skilled staff.

5. Economic Opportunities High quality products/marketing The use of sustainable design/ local sourcing of materials Environmental enhancement and pollution control Gateway to National Park / Marine National Park New technology /home working/ knowledge economy Land/crofting reform Renewable energy/ waste minimisation /recycling Environmental tourism in all its forms Forestry diversification /Research & Development National/Regional Leisure opportunities /Lifestyle opportunities Transport improvements

6. Planning response in Argyll and Bute Structure Plan advocates a sustainable growth agenda; Seeks a win/win scenario; biodiversity maintenance; precautionary; and the polluter pays. Introduces 8 development control zones Advocates Estate/farm diversification plans and coastal framework plans; Advocates sustainable development principles Local Plan Introduces Potential Development Areas and Areas For Action to target investment; help take a longer term view; ensure a master-planned approach that allows flexibility; Identifies/releases more land, with an emphasis on affordable housing and business diversification; quality counts; Promotes our key rural towns (Oban; Dunoon; Rothesay; Cambeltown & Lochgilphead) for additional investment through Areas For Action and where appropriate comprehensive Action Plans; Encourages smaller communities to prepare their own settlement plans and design statements; Introduction of a sustainable design guide with detailed siting plans prepared for more pressured areas; Introduction of a sustainable checklist for significant developments; Introduction of a series of sustainability indicators.