News / Decrofting pilot scheme
A SIX month pilot project to make it easier to build new houses on croft land could be rolled out across the crofting counties if it proves successful.
Highland Council and the Crofters Commission want to streamline the process of obtaining planning permission and decroft land so new properties can be built on crofts.
The aim is to help retain the better quality croft land and avoid conflicting decisions where planning permission for houses are granted, but decrofting refused.
Crofters Commission convener Drew Ratter said this was a major step forward to help preserve the better quality croft land.
“Legislation means folk will still have to submit a decrofting application to the Commission but this can be done at the same time as they lodge their planning application,” he explained.
“This will save time as the majority of the information required will be captured at the planning consultation stage. I am looking forward to seeing the results in September and hope it can then be rolled out across all local authorities in the crofting areas.”
The pilot will cover an area stretching from Assynt in the north to Glenorchy in the south, and also take in the Isle of Skye and the Small Isles.
People submitting planning applications for a new house on croft land will be asked to complete and submit a crofting questionnaire along with their planning application to assist the process.
Further information will be available on the Highland Council and Crofters Commission websites at www.crofterscommission.org.uk/documents.asp and http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/planning/planningapplications/
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