THE COMMUNITY of Northmavine believes that large scale energy development should be restricted in the parish “unless there is a clear and worthwhile community benefit”, according to a draft local place plan.
The proposed plan adds that there is instead “support for appropriately sited wind, solar and battery projects that have local support, minimise environmental impacts and deliver clear community benefit”.
Elsewhere in the draft Northmavine place plan for the next decade, an “unmet demand for affordable housing” is highlighted, as well as a desire for improved road safety, a dedicated space for young people and new business units.
The plan, which has been developed by Northmavine Community Development Company (NCDC) with the local community, sets out priorities for the area’s future, including housing, community facilities, transport, the rural economy, local food and growing, visitor management and protection of the landscape and environment.
The draft plan and and a questionnaire are available online here, with paper copies at the NCDC office/Bruckland, Hillswick Shop, Ollaberry Shop and the Hillswick Health Centre. The deadline for responses is 5pm on Thursday 19 November.
The local place plan is one of many being created around Shetland, and their aim is to ensure that community aspirations are to be taken into account when making future planning and development decisions.
The draft Northmavine plan highlights how the parish equates to 22 per cent of the Shetland mainland, but only makes up four per cent of the overall population (around 754 people).
It notes how there are a range of facilities and amenities, from primary schools, public halls and shops to a social enterprise, development trust, wildlife sanctuary and hotel.
One recurring theme is housing, with there said to be unmet demand for affordable housing for families, young people and residents.
Earlier this year proposals were unveiled by NCDC for seven new affordable homes at the old Urafirth Primary School site, although this comes with an estimated cost of between £1.5 million and £2 million.
Proposals unveiled for affordable housing at old Urafirth school site
The place plan says 100 per cent of attendees at a public exhibition supported this proposal.
But it goes further and says there needs to be support for home owners to renovate and let out properties to add to the long-term rental market, as well as ways to “subdivide” larger homes.
Energy development was a one topic which appeared more than once in the plan, with a concern about any large-scale development.
It said: “The community supports small-scale, sensitively designed and community-owned energy projects that reduce fuel poverty, improve resilience and retain benefits locally.
“It opposes large-scale developments that industrialise the landscape, affect valued views, damage habitats or place pressure on roads, services and community capacity.
“National importance should not remove the need for meaningful local engagement or cumulative impact assessment.”
A planned second subsea electricity cable from the Scottish mainland to Shetland could make landfall in Northmavine, with strong concern expressed over one proposal to have it come ashore in the Braewick area of Eshaness – a location known for its natural beauty and significance.
A cable coming ashore would also need to then be taken underground to SSE’s proposed northern substation hub, which is likely to be located in Toft.
Elsewhere in the plan, there is a mention of residents identifying a need for an active travel path in Hillswick and Urafirth, linking places like the health centre, shop, school and the Valladale housing scheme.
The idea of an active travel route between Runnadale housing estate, the Ollaberry Primary School and the Ollaberry shop has also been suggested, with pupils from the local school saying they want to feel safer walking and cycling.
A number of road safety issues were also identified, with a desire to see repairs made to verges between Eela Water and the Hillswick/Ollaberry junction, and from there onto Urafirth.
“Signage to remind tourists which side of the road they should be on is also a priority to improve road safety as well as signage to remind people to slow down in areas where there are hill sheep on the roads,” the draft plan added.
“The community has been asking for many years to reduce the speed of cars coming down the Clave in Urafirth to make it safer for children.”
Parking at key sites was also highlighted for improvement, such as the Eshaness lighthouse, the Hillswick waterfront, Heylor and Fethaland, while limited spaces for coaches was also noted.
The community is also keen to see affordable business units in Northmavine, while some existing buildings are viewed as having potential for business use, from storage and office space to kitchen facilities.
All respondents to a survey considered Northmavine a good place to live, but only six out of 32 adults in the online consultation felt that young people had good opportunities for activities and places to meet.
The draft place plan continued: “Northmavine should develop a flexible, welcoming and locally managed youth space where children and young people can meet, socialise, learn skills and take part in activities throughout the year.
“The youth space should be designed with young people, rather than simply provided for them. It should offer a safe, informal and non-stigmatising environment for different ages and interests, including those who may not take part in organised clubs.
“After school child care was also highlighted as a service gap during the consultation. A flexible youth space could address this need.”
Meanwhile a need for better signage for walking routes in Northmavine was also highlighted by some residents.
A walking route that follows the coastline of Northmavine, connecting existing core paths and access routes and improving signage and interpretation, would support safe and responsible recreation and deliver local economic and wellbeing benefits, the plan added.
