Affordable housing among the priorities in Bressay’s first place plan
AFFORDABLE housing and community energy projects feature in a draft version of Bressay’s first local place plan.
Local place plans feed into the Shetland Local Development Plan, so it is a way for the community to have a formal say in future planning decisions on Bressay.
The draft plan, written by Bressay Community Council, is open for consultation until 2 October.
The plan includes seven priorities for the island, from affordable housing and community energy projects to tourism/heritage, climate action and active travel.
It also includes a vision for a “thriving, inclusive Bressay that meets the needs of all generations, supports local enterprise, and protects our environment for future generations”.
One strand of the plan is community energy development, which it says could “reduce energy costs, improve resilience and retain economic value within the community”.
Projects such as wind and solar have been discussed, with projects prioritising local consumption of energy where feasible.
Other proposals in the plan include a footpath from the ferry terminal to Maryfield House Hotel, as well as new or extended pavements elsewhere on the island.
There is also an idea to use an existing building – the hall or the Speldiburn centre – as a community resilience hub, which could provide a warm space during power outages.
There is also a desire to enhance the visitor experience, such as through interpretation panels and toilet provision, while peatland restoration is also supported.
Community food growing and mapping areas vulnerable to costal erosion is also given a mention.
Exploring the “sustainable use of the Bressay Lighthouse area” is also highlighted in the plan, for tourism, heritage and potential economic activity.
Local group Bressay Development Ltd failed in a bid to buy the lighthouse from Shetland Amenity Trust when it went on the market last year.
Ownership and access are listed in the plan as two constraints regarding the lighthouse.
A number of areas in Shetland are working on local place plans, with Scalloway the first to have one adopted back in 2020.
Shetland News — free to read
Membership helps pay for journalism
If you value impartial local journalism, become a member of Shetland News and get:
- Only local ads.
- Members' weekly newsletter.
- Bookmark stories and join the comments.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
