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Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Area Place Planning Survey

Welcome to the Area Place Plan survey for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh

A Place Based Framework for planning and investment in communities was agreed by The Highland Council in December 2021. This sets out a new way of working for partners, building on recognition that Place underpins and is the lens through which The Highland Council delivers their services, working together in partnership with their public sector and community partners.

Area Place Plans will support targeting of resources and service delivery and provide a clear vision for attracting external investment to realise local priorities. The Plans will help The Highland Council, partners, and communities to secure funding by evidencing the impact of every £ spent and the actions associated will provide clarity and manage expectation around how and where resources are prioritised.

To help develop the Area Place Plan for Ward 5 (Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh) we have collected as much information as possible from existing plans, priorities documents and consultations - including Local Place Plans.

We would like to ensure that these priorities are still relevant. Please share your thoughts below or feel free to contact us directly to have a chat: louise@wrb.scot

The information gathered from this Area Place Plan survey will be shared with colleagues working on other Highland wide plans.

Please feel free to skip past questions. Thank you!
General Demographic Information

This section of the survey captures general information about you. We will not use your postcode or any other factors in any manner which would identify you, these are purely to help us determine whether the data gathered relates to specific points within the area and to ensure we have covered all sections of our communities.
1.How are you responding to this survey? (Choose any 1 option)
2.Please indicate your age group (Choose any one option)
3.Which of these applies to you?
4.Are you completing this as a resident, someone who works in the area but lives elsewhere or as a visitor to the area? (Choose any 1 option)
5.What is your Postcode
6.How long have you lived / worked / attended education here (Choose any one option)
7.Which Community Council Area do you live in? (Choose any 1 option)
Housing and Population

Communities in Ward 5 (Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh) have expressed they are experiencing a number of housing challenges, including the availability of mainstream and specialist housing. The Highland Place Standard has indicated a level of community interest in accommodation and its availability in our area. We are keen to know your thoughts.
8.Community feedback has indicated that there should be more to assist with the following. Please can you indicate how important you feel these are?
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Neutral
Not very Important
Not important at all
Increasing Housing Stock: Constructing new affordable housing units to meet the growing demand.
Renovation of Existing Structures: Repurposing and renovating existing buildings for affordable housing.
Addressing Seasonal Housing Issues: Tackling the challenges posed by seasonal tourism on housing availability.
Support for Young People: Focusing on housing affordability for young adults and families
Community-Led Housing Initiatives: Encouraging community involvement in housing projects.
9.Any comments
10.Do you think that more housing is needed in the local area? (Choose any one option)
11.What types of homes do you think are needed? Answer this question only if you answered yes to Question 13 (Choose all that apply)
12.Which groups of people are most in need of homes locally? Answer this question only if you answered yes to Question 13 (Choose all that apply)
13.How do you think these homes should be provided? Answer this question only if you answered yes to Question 13 (Choose all that apply)
14.Do you think any of these initiatives might help the situation? Answer this question only if you answered yes to Question 13 (Choose all that apply)
15.What are your main concerns about housing in our community?
High Level of Concern
Somewhat Concerned
Neutral
Not Particularly Concerned
Not Concerned At All
Affordablility
Availability
Transport links
Pressure on infrastructure (sewers, water, etc)
Access to services (schools, parks, shops, etc)
Neighbourhood safety
Energy efficiency
Property condition
Build quality
Ease of commuting to employment
Other
16.Further comments
Health and Well-being
17.Community feedback has indicated that there should be more to assist with the following. Please tell us how important you feel these are?
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Neutral
Not very important
Not important at all
Mental Health Services: Enhancing access to mental health support, especially for vulnerable groups.
Healthcare Facilities and Services: Improving local healthcare services and facilities.
Social and Recreational Opportunities: Promoting activities that foster social connections and physical well-being.
Support for Vulnerable Groups: Focusing on the needs of the elderly, youth, and those with disabilities.
Community Engagement and Support Networks: Building strong community support systems and networks.
18.Thinking of our communities’ health and wellbeing: what and where are the gaps in services, facilities and activities across Ward 5? (Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh)
19.Who in our communities is being left behind?
20.Do you feel most of the following services are sufficiently available in your local area?
Definitely Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
early years provision
primary schools
secondary schools
Supported education for children and young people
Adult / community learning
GPs
Hospitals
Dentists
Pharmacies
Other health care related services
Care and Support services for adults
Childcare Services
Libraries
Indoor sports facilities
Outdoor sports facilities
Community Centres
Community owned facilities
Post Offices
Banks and financial services
Shops
21.Please tell us more
Transport
22.What are the challenges of getting about within and between our communities, and further afield to nearby places, particularly for people without access to a car?
23.How can we make it safer, more sustainable and more affordable to move around our towns, villages and further afield?
Economy
24.Community feedback has indicated that there should be more support to develop economic opportunities. Please indicate how important you feel these actions are:
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Neutral
Not very important
Not important at all
Diversifying the Economy: Reducing reliance on tourism and exploring new sectors.
Supporting Local Businesses: Encouraging entrepreneurship and small business growth.
Job Creation: Focusing on year-round employment opportunities.
Training and Education: Enhancing skills and training for local residents.
Infrastructure Development: Improving connectivity and transport to boost economic activities.
25.What will most help people access good quality work opportunities in our communities?
26.How can we support local businesses to thrive?
27.Where might our future employment and business opportunities lie?
28.What type of businesses and services do you feel are needed for our communities? Please specify town/village.
Environment
29.Community feedback has indicated that there should be more to assist with the following. Please can you indicate how important you feel these are?
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Neutral
Not very Important
Not important at all
Renewable Energy Projects: Developing and supporting renewable energy initiatives.
Sustainable Tourism: Balancing tourism with environmental conservation.
Waste Reduction and Recycling: Initiatives to reduce single-use plastics and enhance recycling.
Green Space Management: Preserving and managing local green spaces.
Climate Change Action: Implementing measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change effects.
Environmental Education: Promoting awareness and education on environmental sustainability.
30.Please tell us more
31.Which aspects of our natural and built environment are most valuable and need most attention?
32.As a community, how can we most effectively tackle climate change?
Tourism Management
33.Community feedback has indicated that there is a need to better manage tourism. Please can you indicate how important you feel these are?
Very Important
Somewhat important
Neutral
Not very important
Not important at all
Sustainable Tourism: Encouraging environmentally friendly tourism practices.
Balancing Local Needs and Tourism: Ensuring tourism development does not adversely impact local communities
Infrastructure for Tourists: Enhancing facilities and services for tourists while preserving community interests.
Cultural and Heritage Preservation: Promoting local culture and heritage in tourism initiatives.
Community Engagement in Tourism Planning: Involving local communities in decision-making regarding tourism development.
34.Please tell us more
35.What and where are the biggest challenges and opportunities?
36.How can our communities make more of tourism as a force for good for locals and visitors alike?
Infrastructure
37.Community feedback has indicated that there should be more to assist with the following. Please can you indicate how important you feel these are?
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Neutral
Not very Important
Not important at all
Transportation: Enhancing public transport services and road infrastructure.
Broadband and Connectivity: Upgrading digital infrastructure for better internet access.
Renovation of Public Spaces: Modernising and repurposing community buildings and spaces.
Utility Services: Improving access to essential services like water and electricity.
Green Infrastructure: Developing environmentally sustainable infrastructure solutions.
38.Please tell us more
39.How do you feel about the heritage of this area? Are there any specific aspects you think should be highlighted or protected further?
40.Do you feel that Gaelic language and culture are well represented in this area? What opportunities and challenges exist?
Anything Else?
Have you got any additional topics/ideas you'd like to share?
41.Please use this comment box for any additional thoughts
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