STENNESS LOCAL PLACE PLAN
Supporting Document
May 2025
IMAGE: Cover showing a pixelated aerial or landscape background with a white title panel reading “STENNESS LOCAL PLACE PLAN”, “Supporting Document”, and “May 2025”.
Contents
- Introduction — 3
- Contact Details — 3
- Regard Given to the Local Development Plan — 3
- Regard Given to the National Planning Framework — 3
- Cognisance and Incorporation of Community Aspirations into the Emerging Local Development Plan — 4
- Community Support for the Local Place Plan — 5
- Evidence of Compliance with Regulation 4 — 6
- Appendix A: Local Place Plan — 7
- Appendix B: Copies of consultation notices — 8
- Appendix C: Summary of community engagement feedback — 10
- Appendix D: Links to supporting documents referenced in or utilised in the production of the plan — 30
Introduction
This document serves as the Supporting Statement for the Stenness Local Place Plan. The Stenness Local Place Plan outlines the vision and aspirations of the local community for the future development and land use within the area.
The preparation of this Local Place Plan was undertaken in collaboration with local residents, stakeholders, and community groups, including the young people of the parish. This collaborative approach ensured broad input and representation from across the community.
The Local Place Plan and Supporting Statement are being submitted to Orkney Islands Council on 14 May 2025 with this document version being Version 1.0.
Contact Details
The designated contact for the Stenness Local Place Plan is:
Stenness Community Association
Newhaven
Stenness
Orkney
KW16 3LA
stennessca@gmail.com
This address will be used for correspondence from the Council and will be recorded on the Local Place Plan register for public reference.
Regard Given to the Local Development Plan
The Stenness Local Place Plan has been prepared with full regard to the current Local Development Plan. The Stenness Community Association Place Plan team reviewed the relevant policies, guidance, and designations affecting the Stenness area and incorporated these into the development of the plan. This ensures alignment with existing planning policies while reflecting the aspirations of the local community.
Regard Given to the National Planning Framework
The National Planning Framework (NPF4) has been considered in preparing this Local Place Plan. The key themes of sustainable development, climate resilience, and local empowerment have been incorporated into the plan, ensuring that it aligns with national objectives while addressing local priorities.
Cognisance and Incorporation of Community Aspirations into the Emerging Local Development Plan
The Stenness Local Place Plan comprises a list of aspirations that the community would like to see delivered; some of these are tangible in terms of infrastructure or asset improvements; others concern capacity building within the community or establishing dialogue and relationships with relevant organisations and bodies for the benefit of the community.
To summarise the ask is that the emerging Local Development Plan will be cognisant of these aspirations, incorporating specific elements where relevant and making reference to other elements where possible. Priority areas include:
- Transport: Recommendations relating to traffic speed reduction and safety enhancements on the A965; making routes to school safer; active travel measures around the creation of paths; and signage.
- Land use adjustments: There are specific aspirations to create new assets such as the playpark and expanding the network of paths and walkways connecting Stenness with its landscape and heritage. There are also proposals for repurposing some assets in the future which might impact on land use assumptions within the Plan.
- Flood risk assessment: There is an aspiration to have Stenness and the Loch of Stenness included in future assessments associated with climate change, flood risk and sea level rise.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Recommendations for improving the built environment around Stenness, particularly through regeneration and enhancement of local assets and amenities.
- Housing: Further dialogue with the local authority is sought to explore scope for innovative solutions which might lead to future changes within the Plan context – there are aspirations for more houses, but specifically to meet the needs of the community.
- Heritage: The Community is keen to be more involved in how the World Heritage sites are managed for the future, and to harness community benefit from this. There is also an aspiration to create a new tourism offer around the more local heritage assets in Stenness.
These amendments reflect the needs and priorities identified through community consultation, drawn from the key aspirations highlighted in the Plan – see below:
Community Support for the Local Place Plan
The Stenness Local Place Plan has been shaped by extensive community engagement, including:
- Public Meetings & Workshops: seven sessions held with groups representative of the wider community:
- Stenness Community Association.
- Firth and Stenness Community Council.
- Over 60’s Group.
- Friends of Happy Valley.
- Stenness Community School.
- Parent & Carers Council.
- Stenness Outdoor Community Space Group.
- Attendance at the Winter and Spring Fayres which were attended by a large number of residents.
IMAGE: Diagram showing seven themes and their associated aspirations: Connecting Places in the Community; Housing and Planning; Play and Recreation; Nurturing Stenness’ Natural and Heritage Capital; Built Environment; Economy and Tourism; and Building Stenness Capacity.
- Regular meetings with the Steering Group, made up of community representatives.
- Questionnaire: Feedback gathered from 50 respondents.
- Consultation with Local Businesses & Organisations: Engagement with key local entities to ensure comprehensive representation.
- Consultation with key stakeholder organisations: meetings with key stakeholders covering a range of key aspects such as economic development, tourism, World Heritage Site, housing, planning, education and transport.
- Part of a Community Conversations Event alongside other initiatives, which attracted more than 100 attendees.
- Statutory Consultation: Formal engagement with Councillors and Community Council.
The feedback received highlighted strong community support for the Plan, with concerns addressed through revisions to the finalised document.
Evidence of Compliance with Regulation 4
To comply with Regulation 4, the following steps were taken:
- Councillors Consulted:
- Cllr Rachel King.
- Cllr Jean Stevenson.
- Cllr Owen Tierney.
- Cllr Duncan Tullock.
- Community Council Consulted: Firth and Stenness Community Council, and adjoining Community Councils of Orphir, Stromness and Harray and Sandwick.
- Information Notices Issued: Copies of notices sent to Councillors and Community Councils.
- Proposed Local Place Plan: The version shared with consultees before finalisation.
These steps ensure that the Local Place Plan meets the statutory requirements and is ready for validation and registration by Orkney Islands Council.
Appendix A: Local Place Plan
Appendix B: Copies of consultation notices
Notification of Proposed Stenness Local Place Plan
Stenness Community Association SCIO SC0 52586
Chairperson- Raema Lyon
Correspondence AddressNewhaven
Stenness
Orkney
KW16 3LA
Email- stennessca@gmail.com
15 March 2025
Dear Councillors King, Stevenson, Tierney and Tullock,
Notification of Proposed Stenness Local Place Plan
I am writing to inform you, in accordance with the requirements set out in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, that the Stenness Local Place Plan is now available for consultation prior to submission to the planning authority. As a local Councillor representing the area covered by the Plan, we are providing you with a copy of the proposed Local Place Plan along with this notice.
The Stenness Local Place Plan has been developed in collaboration with the local community to set out a vision for the future development of the area. The Plan identifies key priorities and aspirations, with a focus on improving accessibility in and around Stenness, addressing transport-related issues, capitalising on Stenness’ natural and heritage capital, housing, enhancing infrastructure and building capacity within the community. Our aim is to ensure that community-led priorities are reflected in future planning decisions.
We are now inviting representations on the content of the proposed Local Place Plan. Comments, suggestions, or concerns can be submitted to Stenness Community Association at stennessca@gmail.com
The deadline for submitting representations is 13th April 2025.
If you require any further information or would like to discuss the Plan in more detail, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We appreciate your time in reviewing this document and look forward to your feedback.
Yours sincerely,
Raema Lyon
Chairperson
Stenness Community Association
Notification of Proposed Stenness Local Place Plan
Stenness Community Association SCIO SC0 52586
Chairperson- Raema Lyon
Correspondence AddressNewhaven
Stenness
Orkney
KW16 3LA
Email- stennessca@gmail.com
16 March 2025
Dear Community Councillor,
Notification of Proposed Stenness Local Place Plan
I am writing to inform you, in accordance with the requirements set out in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, that the Stenness Local Place Plan is now available for consultation prior to submission to the planning authority. As the Community Council covering or adjoining the area included in the Plan, we are providing you with a copy of the proposed Local Place Plan along with this notice.
The Stenness Local Place Plan has been developed in collaboration with the local community to set out a vision for the future development of the area. The Plan identifies key priorities and aspirations, with a focus on improving accessibility in and around Stenness, addressing transport-related issues, capitalising on Stenness’ natural and heritage capital, housing, enhancing infrastructure and building capacity within the community.
Our aim is to ensure that community-led priorities are reflected in future planning decisions.
We are now inviting representations on the content of the proposed Local Place Plan. Comments, suggestions, or concerns can be submitted to stennessca@gmail.com. The deadline for submitting representations is 13th April 2025.
If you require any further information or would like to discuss the Plan in more detail, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We appreciate your time in reviewing this document and look forward to your feedback.
Yours sincerely,
Raema Lyon
Chairperson
Stenness Community Association
Appendix C: Summary of community engagement feedback
Introduction
Community engagement and participation has played a key role in the development of the Stenness Local Place Plan.
A range of engagement methods were employed to ensure that the Plan was informed by as many voices as possible.
This Appendix provides a detailed summary of stakeholder engagement activities undertaken during the development of the Plan:
- Information about the Steering Group.
- Community survey.
- Events and community group meetings.
- Discussions with external stakeholders.
The Steering Group
While the initiative was led by the Stenness Community Association, significant effort was made to form a Steering Group that was both representative and diverse. Although not everyone who was invited was able to take part, a committed group was established, bringing together individuals from a range of backgrounds and sectors.
The Steering Group included representatives from the Stenness Community Association, local residents, the Community Council, local businesses, and community interest groups. It also involved an elected member, representatives of older residents, and individuals from relevant public sector roles, including development planning and sustainable regeneration.
This group met regularly with the Consultant Team and played a vital role in shaping the Local Place Plan—helping to identify and develop key themes and leading on the coordination of engagement activities within the community.
Community Survey
A community survey was conducted, promoted through the Stenness Community Association’s strong social media presence. A total of 50 responses were gathered through a mix of online submissions and completed hard copies.
The survey comprised a set of questions asking questions around the Place Plan Themes. A copy of the questionnaire is attached at Annex A.
Respondents were presented with 14 ‘themes’ and asked to rate Stenness in respect to each of these using a scale of 1 to 7 (where 1 means there is a lot of room for improvement and 7 means that there is very little improvement needed).
The results essentially tell us how the community perceives various aspects within Stenness in terms of what works well and what doesn’t.
| Theme | Average |
|---|---|
| Moving Around | 2.52 |
| Public Transport | 4.23 |
| Traffic and Parking | 3.97 |
| Built Environment | 4.50 |
| Natural and Green Space | 4.63 |
| Play and Recreation | 4.86 |
| Facilities and Services | 4.88 |
| Economies and Jobs | 4.00 |
| Housing and Community | 4.36 |
| Social Interaction | 5.26 |
| Identity | 5.43 |
| Safety | 6.13 |
| Care and Maintenance | 5.00 |
| Sense of Control and Influence | 4.56 |
IMAGE: A chart presents the 14 survey theme averages: Moving Around 2.52; Public Transport 4.23; Traffic and Parking 3.97; Built Environment 4.50; Natural and Green Space 4.63; Play and Recreation 4.86; Facilities and Services 4.88; Economies and Jobs 4.00; Housing and Community 4.36; Social Interaction 5.26; Identity 5.43; Safety 6.13; Care and Maintenance 5.00; Sense of Control and Influence 4.56. A radar chart shows the same results.
The results show that ‘Moving Around Stenness’ and ‘Traffic and Parking’ have the lowest average scores, which reflects the community’s feelings and perceptions about the speed of traffic on the road through Stenness and issues associated with getting around Stenness by foot or by bicycle. At the other end of the scale, the higher average scores reflect the strong local identity and community spirit felt in Stenness, and the perception that it is a safe place to live.
Respondents also had an opportunity to provide feedback on each of the themes, a snapshot of which is recorded in Appendix E: a summary of comments made regarding key issues and ideas for improvements under each Theme.
Events and Community Group Meetings
In order to inform the community as widely as possible about the development of the Place Plan the Consultant Team attended community group meetings and went along to the Winter and Spring Fayres.
A summary of key points discussed at each of these events is provided in the following paragraphs.
Attendance at the Winter Fayre
At the Winter Fayre residents came and spoke with the Team, asking questions about the Place Plan and providing their views on what’s good about Stenness and what needs improving. Conversations were had with around 30 individuals, aided with a large map of Stenness, with residents highlighting a wide range of aspects upon the map.
IMAGE: Photograph showing residents gathered around a large map of Stenness, placing coloured notes on it and discussing local issues.
IMAGE: Photograph showing people working around a table with a map during the Winter Fayre consultation.
Key themes arising from these discussions included issues around traffic, active travel and planning.
Stenness Community Association
A comprehensive discussion with the Stenness Community Association covered many topics:
The Community Association is very active and has a good reputation. There is a strong community spirit and good neighbourhood. Stenness feels very safe – no need to lock your doors. There is an active Parent Council and the School is very involved in the community. Stenness has natural and culture heritage on the doorstop and this should be celebrated.
The school has 27 pupils and 5 children in pre-school. It is important to focus on improving Stenness for residents at the core, also considering encouraging people to come into Stenness. The area has an ageing demographic, and it is important to reach and understand what the issues are for all residents in the parish and to make sure that the Place Plan and proposals are mindful of this ageing demographic.
There was discussion regarding transport and active travel issues:
People often drive through Stenness going to Stromness or Kirkwall, but don't stop; there is 'racing' on the road through the village and the village is disconnected by the road and traffic. There isn’t enough parking at Happy Valley; and there are issues with capacity on the X1 bus service on busy cruise line days, making it difficult for residents to travel to Kirkwall or Stromness.
There is underutilised land in the area at present.
Struggles with housing and planning – people want to stay, want to build family homes, but it is difficult to get planning due to the World Heritage Site status and tight planning control in the area.
Need to consider how Stenness benefits from the World Heritage Site Programme, and how the community can be involved in its development, especially around the concept of a Gateway visitor centre.
Firth and Stenness Parish Community Council
The Team provided an overview of the Place Plan approach and highlighted emerging issues, arising from the survey of residents exploring the 14 Place Plan themes.
The Chair suggested that the Community Council could potentially support elements in the future such as provision of benches.
Discussed the current Orkney Islands Council consultation on reducing speed limits from 30mph to 20mph and the desirability to also reduce speeds on the main road through Stenness. This was to be considered later in the agenda outside of the Place Plan discussion.
Over 60s Group
Key topics discussed included:
- Barriers and lack of flexibility around planning: perception that the planning authority is a barrier to development with many people who want to build a house on their land (particularly for younger family to move back) but cannot. There is a lack of understanding regarding the rationale behind such decisions and a desire for more flexibility particularly when it concerns bringing family, workers and children back to the parish. This was by far the most significant issue raised and discussed by the Group.
- Affordable and assisted housing: more homes suited to older residents and those needing support, or for those that could then support and provide care to family members.
- Footpath expansion and accessibility: more paths linking key locations, safe walking routes, and durable surfaces for year-round use, with accessibility measures such as benches.
- Road safety enhancements: traffic calming, lower speed limits, and safe pedestrian crossings.
- Buses: making sure folk can get off near to where they live, not prevent pick up / drop off.
Stenness Community School
A session was held with the school pupils, to find out how they think Stenness could be improved for the future. Many aspirations focussed around enhancing the play park concept: zip line, skateboard park, underground playpark, ice rink; some children would like better crossing facilities at the main road so that they could walk to the shop after school by themselves – which they cannot do at present. Others suggested more paths, bike lanes, more places with shelter to chill out.
Parent & Carers Council
Main priorities for this Group were around road safety and connectivity. Stakeholders expressed concerns about the speed of traffic through the village and the number of vehicles driving over the speed limit; another key concern expressed related to safety impacts associated with busses and high numbers of tourists walking on the main road.
It was also discussed that the waste land area in the village needs to be addressed.
In terms of improvements key priorities were focused on creating safe active travel routes around the village: paths connecting the village with the hotel, main bus stop and Bigswell Road (because many children live there); and a cycle path across Stenness, parallel to the main road.
There was also discussion around the activities and facilities for children and how these could be enhanced; that there is a great atmosphere in Stenness and opportunity to develop more intergenerational activities.
Friends of Happy Valley
The focus is on maintaining Happy Valley as a natural place for residents and visitors; there is no desire to over-advertise the location and turn it into a tourism hotspot. There are various initiatives underway, such as ‘species on the edge’ project to increase wildflower seeds; bluebells and an easter egg hunt are key attractions; looking to have more interpretation boards and make the place more interactive for visitors. There are occasional weddings at Happy Valley and the Group works in partnership with the St Magnus Festival to develop open air concerts. There is also an aspiration to create a wildlife corridor along Bigswell Road through special cutting of the verges.
The Group has been in discussion with Orkney Islands Council regarding the ownership model and potentially moving towards creating a community owned asset.
There are some concerns regarding access and how much traffic is on the road – the junction at Bigswell Road and the main road is a safety concern.
There are eight parking spaces – capacity can be an issue when small busses take up too much space. The group don’t believe that more parking is needed; but would like to see more paths connecting the village with Happy Valley and other areas around Stenness – more people would visit Happy Valley by foot.
In the summer there are often campervans that stay overnight in the car park – roughly one to two per night. Generally speaking they are respectful and not a problem.
Stenness Outdoor Community Space Group
The Group was excited to hear about the Stenness Place Plan and how their project fits into this. The discussion focused on the project currently being developed and delivered by the Group: Phase 1 comprises the revitalisation of the existing playground at Stenness School which is due to be delivered in the next 12 months. Phase 2 will see the creation of a community garden with polycrubs; this will be used and managed by the pupils and will open up opportunities for intergenerational activities and community involvement in growing projects. Phase 3 comprises the creation of an outdoor space with natural walks, natural play areas, shelter, seating and trees. The first step of this final Phase will be to look at drainage over the next 12 months.
Community Conversations
The Stenness Community Association and Place Plan Consultant Team participated in a Community Conversations consultation event where residents could come along during the day or in the evening to find out information about a range of projects and initiatives around Stenness, including the Stenness Local Place Plan.
This provided an opportunity to present the Draft Local Place Plan to the community with copies available and a variety of plans and maps for people to view. Members of the Team were on hand and there were many discussions with people attending. Views and comments continued to focus on the key themes raised during the development of the Plan, with much reiteration around walking, transport and traffic issues.
More than 100 people attended and engaged with the Local Place Plan team.
IMAGE: Community Conversations poster reading “Community Conversations”, “Tue 25 February”, “2 to 8pm”, “Stenness Hall”, and “Showcasing plans and information on: Stenness Local Place Plan; Stenness School Travel Plan; Footpaths and Cycle paths; Heart of Neolithic Orkney Management Plan; Orkney World Heritage Site Programme; Stenness Outdoor Community Space; Playpark Renovation”. It also reads “Collaborating with Stenness Community Association” and displays Orkney Islands Council, Historic Environment Scotland and Sustrans logos.
IMAGE: Photograph showing a consultation board covered with coloured sticky notes containing community feedback.
IMAGE: Photograph showing a person pointing to maps and plans displayed on a blue exhibition board.
Source: Community Conversations event.
Spring Fayre
At the Stenness Spring Fayre, we engaged with 42 people at our stand, receiving five completed questionnaires. Many attendees had already attended the Community Conversations event several days prior. Conversations were positive regarding the plan and its aspirations, with most comments focusing on the SOCS projects, as the plans were displayed on the boards. A key suggestion for future phases was the inclusion of an allweather 7-a-side pitch to address challenges posed by wet ground and adverse weather conditions.
Feedback Survey
Attendees at the Spring Fayre and Community Conversations event were when possible asked to complete a short feedback survey form with their views on the draft Local Place Plan. This was a very short survey comprising the following questions:
- What is your connection to Stenness?
- Which Themes (in the Local Place Plan) do you think are most important?
- How have you been involved during the development of the Place Plan?
- Are there particular projects or aspirations that you strongly support?
- Are there any areas missing or you feel need more focus?
- Do you have concerns about any projects or aspirations?
- How would you rate the consultation process?
- How would you like to be involved as the Place Plan develops?
A total of 17 responses were obtained.
Most respondents live in the parish.
When asked which themes are most important it is clear that Connecting Places in the Community is a key priority. This is closely followed by Play and Recreation, Nurturing Stenness’ Natural and Capital Heritage and Housing and Planning.
Which Themes (in the Local Place Plan) do you think are most important?
| Theme | Number of responses |
|---|---|
| Connecting Places in the Community | 13 |
| Housing and Planning | 7 |
| Play and Recreation | 8 |
| Nurturing Stenness Natural & Heritage Capital | 7 |
| Built Environment | 1 |
| Economy and Tourism | 4 |
| Building Stenness Capacity | 3 |
IMAGE: Bar chart showing responses to the question “Which Themes (in the Local Place Plan) do you think are most important?” Connecting Places in the Community received 13 responses; Housing and Planning 7; Play and Recreation 8; Nurturing Stenness Natural & Heritage Capital 7; Built Environment 1; Economy and Tourism 4; and Building Stenness Capacity 3.
Apart from the school pupils attending the Community Conversations event, many respondents had been involved in prior consultation activities while the Place Plan was being developed.
How have you been involved during the development of the Place Plan?
| Form of involvement | Number of respondents |
|---|---|
| Attended group meetings / discussions | 6 |
| Spoken to team at Winter Fayre | 5 |
| Completed the Place Plan Survey | 4 |
| I have not participated before | 1 |
| Pupil attending Community Conversations | 5 |
When asked if there are particular projects or aspirations that they support, only thirteen responded: eight highlighted foot paths; one respondent commented that ‘connecting Stenness through more paths that are safe to walk along would be fantastic’. Three strongly supported proposals for more cycle paths; three of the school pupils stated support for the new play park; one commented that a quick win would be the installation of benches in appropriate areas; and one other stated support for the provision of new housing.
In terms of areas to focus on, the following aspects were highlighted by five respondents:
- More focus needed on planning / housing: a longer-term approach is needed, with cognisance of the need to retain and attract young people in the parish.
- Range of housing should include assisted living.
- More focus on benches and foot paths: speed limits on their own will not slow down traffic.
- Public Transport.
- Encouraging more business opportunities in Stenness.
Only a few concerns regarding projects and aspirations were highlighted – where the funding is to come from; whether any of the projects will have a negative impact on wildlife; and concerns regarding the football pitch. One respondent would like to see the football pitch retained.
Respondents were asked to rate the consultation process; half of those who answered this question rated the consultation process as ‘Excellent’, while six rated it as ‘Good’. One respondent reported the consultation process as ‘Fair’.
How would you rate the consultation process?
| Rating | Number of respondents |
|---|---|
| Excellent | 7 |
| Good | 6 |
| Fair | 1 |
| Poor | 0 |
IMAGE: Chart showing consultation-process ratings: Excellent 7; Good 6; Fair 1; Poor 0.
Nine respondents indicated that they would like to be kept updated as the Place Plan progresses either by email or by invitation to any future meetings; two respondents stated that they would be keen to volunteer.
External Stakeholders
As part of the development of the Local Place Plan, a broad range of organisations and roles were engaged to ensure a comprehensive and well-informed approach. Key departments within Orkney Islands Council contributed extensively, including Development and Marine Planning, Community Learning and Development, Development Planning, Transportation, Enterprise, Roads and Grounds, Education, Leisure and Housing, Estates and Property Asset Management, Sports and Leisure, Engineering, Tourism, School Transport, and the Islands Deal Team. This involved senior service managers, team managers, corporate directors, heads of service, officers, and engineers, who provided strategic and technical input across planning, infrastructure, education, regeneration, and local services.
In addition to local authority representation, external agencies and stakeholders played an important role. These included Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), NatureScot, Police Scotland, Destination Orkney, VisitScotland, SSEN, and the Ness of Brodgar. Each organisation brought sector-specific expertise, from heritage and environment to tourism, policing, energy infrastructure, and archaeology. Local voices were also included, such as Orkney Transport, West Mainland Councillors, and the Orkney Trout Association, contributing valuable insights into transport, democratic representation, and community interests. This collaborative engagement ensured that the Local Place Plan reflected a wide range of perspectives and priorities across Orkney.
While the nature of these discussions varied considerably there was substantial benefit from them:
- Providing information on the Place Plan for Stenness, which many stakeholders were not aware of.
- Obtaining relevant information to feed into the Place Plan.
- Addressing some of the issues raised during the stakeholder engagement with relevant representatives of Orkney Islands Council.
Discussions with Businesses Based in Stenness
Sixteen businesses based in Stenness were contacted and invited to participate in a discussion, of which 11 agreed. This included five agricultural businesses, the Standing Stones Hotel, Ice Cream Parlour, Garage and two catering companies.
The discussions were carried out by telephone and explored the following:
- What are the key issues and constraints for your business in Stenness?
- What are the key opportunities for Stenness in the future?
Most businesses felt that there were limited issues with their business being based in Stenness; key issues raised included traffic, safety and lack of paths, particularly between the village and the Hotel and at the Brodgar junction; concern regarding where any future paths might be located on the part of agricultural businesses; and planning constraints associated with building new houses and renewable energy devices.
Conclusion
Overall, a significant amount of information and feedback was obtained during the stakeholder engagement, upon which the Place Plan has been developed.
Annex A: Stakeholder Survey Questionnaire
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “Help shape the future of Stenness…” and “1. Stenness Place Plan”. It explains that the Stenness Community Association SCIO is leading development of a Place Plan, asks for community views on 14 themes, and states that no personal identifiable information is requested. The page includes contact details and introductory survey information.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “2. Moving Around Stenness”. It asks about walking, wheeling and cycling routes, accessibility, safety, barriers, and improvements, followed by a 1-to-7 rating scale and questions about what works well and what could be better.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “3. Public Transport”. It asks about bus services, accessibility, facilities, routes and destinations, followed by rating and written-response questions.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “4. Traffic and Parking”. It asks about traffic on the Kirkwall–Stromness road, traffic in the parish, parking provision and locations, followed by rating and written-response questions.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “5. Buildings and the Built Environment”. It asks about the character, accessibility, appearance and condition of Stenness, including buildings, public spaces, roads, accessibility and derelict or vacant land.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “6. Natural Space”. It asks about natural spaces, access, wildlife, maintenance, flooding, drainage, litter, noise and opportunities for improvement.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “7. Play & Recreation”. It asks about opportunities for play, sports, culture, arts and leisure, accessibility, facilities, maintenance and future improvements.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “8. Facilities & Services”. It asks about facilities, clubs, social groups, support services, accessibility and whether facilities meet local needs.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “9. Work & Local Economy in Stenness”. It asks about employment, skills, business, economic challenges and opportunities.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “10. Housing & Community”. It asks about housing types, affordability, adaptability, community spirit, activities, neighbours and local challenges.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “11. Social Interaction”. It asks about meeting places, social activities, inclusion, support networks, community events and participation.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “12. Identity & Belonging”. It asks about local identity, heritage, culture, community involvement, inclusion, reputation and belonging.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “13. Feeling Safe”. It asks about safety at different times, physical barriers, social issues, crime, traffic and other concerns.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “14. Care & Maintenance”. It asks about the maintenance of buildings, roads, paths and public spaces, responsibility, reporting issues, local services, cleaning and recycling.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “15. Influence & Sense of Control”. It asks about community voice, influence, consultation, local groups, collaborative action and barriers to participation.
IMAGE: Questionnaire page headed “16. About you”. It asks for postcode, age and gender, with age categories 16–18, 19–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75 and over, and “Prefer not to say”. Gender options are Woman, Man, Non-binary, A gender not listed here, and Prefer not to answer.
Annex B: Snapshot of Survey Comments by Theme
MOVING AROUND
| Theme | Comments |
|---|---|
| Footpath Expansion and Accessibility | While the central village area provides decent infrastructure for active travel, the wider parish faces significant challenges due to unsafe roads, limited connectivity, and insufficient pathways. Develop footpaths linking key locations, including the Standing Stones Hotel, historic sites, Happy Valley, and the school. Create accessible paths for safer walking and cycling, with durable surfaces to ensure usability year-round. Build a walking / cycling path alongside the main Stromness to Kirkwall road for locals, tourists, and backpackers. Extend pavements to areas like Bigswell Road, Brodgar Road, and Tormiston Mill to provide safe access to bus stops and heritage sites. |
| Road Safety Enhancements | Implement traffic calming measures, such as reducing speed limits to 20–30mph in and around the village. Add safe crossing points on the main road and bus stop laybys, especially near Brodgar Road and Maeshowe Centre. The main Kirkwall to Stromness road is unsafe for walking or cycling due to high speeds and lack of pathways. |
| Lighting Improvements | Install street lighting on routes to the local pub, Ireland Road, and other key paths to improve safety during dark winter months. Limited lighting outside the village, making navigation in winter challenging. |
| Cycle-Friendly Infrastructure | Introduce dedicated cycle paths or lanes to enhance safety, especially on busy tourist routes and the main road. Consider creating a Stromness-to-Kirkwall cycleway, prioritising the dangerous sections near Brodgar Road and the garage. |
| Recreational Enhancements | Develop circular walking routes with connections to local landmarks and residential areas. Improve verges on minor roads for safer pedestrian use and consider adding boardwalks and paths around loch edges and boggy areas like the pond behind the school. Install benches, especially south-facing, along popular walking paths for rest stops. |
| Tourist and Community Integration | Build infrastructure to accommodate high summer tourist volumes, including accessible bus stops and pathways connecting world heritage sites. Enhance path networks to reduce reliance on vehicles, mitigating parking pressures and improving environmental sustainability. |
| Maintenance and Cleanliness | Regularly maintain verges and sweep roads to improve pedestrian and cyclist conditions, particularly on routes frequented by farm vehicles. |
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
| Theme | Comments |
|---|---|
| Bus Improvements | While the bus service works well for the core village area, enhancing service for outlying areas and addressing infrastructure gaps (e.g. additional shelters or safer stops) could further improve accessibility and safety. Lack of park-and-ride facilities and safe school transport options for children outside the village. |
TRAFFIC
| Theme | Comments |
|---|---|
| Speed Limits and Road Safety | Reduce speed limits through the village from 40 mph to 30 mph (or even 20 mph in some areas) to improve safety for residents, pedestrians, and children. Extend reduced speed zones to nearby junctions like Brodgar Road End and implement speed-calming measures such as speed humps or smiley speed-aware signs. |
| Walking and Cycling Infrastructure | Create safe walking routes, pavements, or cycle paths along main roads and near residential areas to encourage active travel and improve safety for pedestrians, including schoolchildren. Improve lighting along walking routes to make them safer at night. |
| Parking Improvements | Increase parking availability at key locations, including Happy Valley, the school / community hall, and near the shop and post office. Develop a dedicated bus parking area at Maeshowe Visitor Centre to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. Consider a park-and-ride facility near the bus stop to encourage use of public transport. |
| Signage and Line of Sight at Junctions | Install better advance signage for locations like the Unstan Tomb to alert drivers about turn-offs and reduce sudden braking incidents. Improve line of sight at key junctions, including Bigswell Road and Brodgar junction, to enhance safety. |
| Tourist and Bus Management | Address issues with tour buses parking on main roads, particularly near Maeshowe and Clouston Corner, which obstruct traffic and create blind spots. Establish designated bus stops or waiting areas to manage tourist volumes more effectively, especially during peak season. |
| Community Event Parking | Expand parking capacity for events at the school / community hall by utilising adjacent land temporarily or permanently. Manage overflow parking during events to minimise disruption to residents and ensure safe traffic flow. |
| Traffic Flow and Enforcement | Increase police presence or enforcement of speed limits, particularly on roads like Ireland Road and the main Kirkwall to Stromness road, which are prone to speeding. Introduce measures to discourage on-road parking near the Historic Scotland building and other busy areas. |
| Road Quality | Address poor road conditions by resurfacing and improving maintenance to ensure safe and comfortable travel for all road users. |
| Alternative Solutions | Investigate the potential to develop areas like the land opposite Stenness Garage for parking or other infrastructure that could meet community and visitor needs. |
PLAY
| Theme | Comments |
|---|---|
| Play Area and Outdoor Space | While the play area is in the process of being refreshed, further improvements to the space, particularly at the back of the hall, are needed to enhance the overall experience for children and families. There is also a need for better pathways and footpaths to allow easier access to these spaces without relying on vehicles. |
| More Activities for Children and Youths | There is a call for more activities and opportunities tailored specifically for children and young people. Expanding the range of activities could better engage younger residents and help foster a more vibrant community. |
| Football Pitch | The football pitch is often unusable due to wet conditions, which significantly limits its availability for sports and recreation. Addressing drainage or resurfacing could improve its functionality throughout the year. |
| Larger Community Venue | The current spaces available for community events are sometimes too small for larger gatherings. A larger community venue would allow for more joint events and could also be hired out for private functions, such as weddings, to support the operational costs of the space. |
| Park Upgrade | The park, while functional, is in need of an upgrade to make it more appealing and accessible for children and families. Enhancing the park could improve the recreational opportunities for the community. |
SOCIAL INTERACTION
| Theme | Comments |
|---|---|
| Inclusion of all Residents | There is a perception that it’s easier for families with children at the school to get involved in social activities due to more natural opportunities. For those without children, it can take extra effort and confidence to connect with others, and more inclusive events or structures could help. |
| Awareness of Events | There is some uncertainty about whether events at the community hall are open to everyone, especially for those organised outside of the Stenness Community Association. Clearer communication or promotion could improve participation. |
| More Opportunities for Social Activities | There is a desire for more events, such as a Christmas tree lighting or additional sports and activities. Expanding the range of social events could help boost engagement and make the community feel more connected. |
| Targeted Interest Groups | While there is a general desire for more events, there is also an interest in creating specific interest groups, such as a sewing group, to provide a space for people with shared hobbies to connect. This could cater to different interests and help foster stronger social ties. |
| Indoor Facilities for Children | An indoor space specifically for children to play and socialise would help engage younger members of the community, especially during colder months or inclement weather. |
| Better Advertisement of Events | There could be more effective advertisement and promotion of community events and activities, particularly for newcomers to the area. Ensuring that everyone is aware of events and their availability could help increase participation and reduce isolation. |
| Larger, Open Events | Given the small size of the community, hosting more open and sizable events could provide opportunities for everyone to come together. This could create more variety in social offerings and attract external support for events, helping to make the community feel more vibrant and connected. |
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
| Theme | Comments |
|---|---|
| Support for Local Businesses | There is a desire for more small local businesses in Stenness, especially those catering to both residents and tourists. The lack of places to operate from presents a barrier to entrepreneurial opportunities. More support and spaces for such businesses would help stimulate the local economy. |
| Community Awareness and Engagement | There's a need for increased awareness of the groups and activities taking place in Stenness. While there are some sports activities, there is a desire for more regular social activities, such as coffee mornings and weekend events, to foster community engagement and inclusivity. |
| Sitting Areas | The addition of sitting areas in public spaces would provide opportunities for relaxation and social interaction, particularly in areas where people can enjoy nature and the village setting. |
| Improved Connectivity and Accessibility | A path leading to the Stenness Hotel would improve access and social opportunities. A pelican crossing would also enhance safety for pedestrians, making the area more accessible for locals and visitors. |
| Storage and Facility Upgrades | There are ongoing issues with insufficient storage space at the community hall, which affects its ability to serve all user groups efficiently. The creation of an additional storage space was previously discussed but not followed through. Addressing this issue would support the hall's operations and help it better serve the community. |
NATURAL SPACES
| Theme | Comments |
|---|---|
| Creation of Accessible Spaces | There's a desire for a more accessible, welcoming space that celebrates nature, such as a park or garden setting. This could include wildlife trails linked to a path network and information boards. |
| Improved Drainage and Maintenance: | Happy Valley and parts of the RPSB Brodgar Nature Reserve become muddy and difficult to navigate, especially during certain times of the year. Solutions like better drainage and the installation of recycled plastic boardwalks in the worst areas would improve accessibility. |
| Public Amenities and Seating | The village could benefit from more public seating and refuse bins along key routes. Benches, in particular, would provide rest spots for walkers and visitors. There is also a need for more public toilets at popular sites such as the Neolithic locations and Happy Valley. |
| Increased Accessibility | Better access to Happy Valley, particularly without needing a car, and improved links between paths, especially for pedestrians, would enhance the area for both locals and tourists. Currently, a lack of footpaths and limited parking makes it difficult for some to access green spaces comfortably. |
| Utilisation of Space | The large open space behind the school and hall has potential for further development, but it is not accessible during school hours. Creating a flexible space that can be used at all times and offering parking would provide additional recreational opportunities. |
| Pathways and Walkways | There’s a strong call for more off-road footpaths and safe walkways. Potential routes like circular walks from the school or paths linking the Stones to the village would encourage walking and improve pedestrian access. |
| Enhancing Visitor Experience | Benches, better signage, and more accessible parking could improve the experience for visitors, particularly at the Neolithic sites and Happy Valley. Ensuring these areas are easy to navigate would enhance tourism. |
| Community-Driven Improvements | Volunteers working on Happy Valley are praised for their efforts, and further funding to improve the space is desired. This includes more pathways, potential for community planting, and other upgrades to improve the area's overall appeal and accessibility. |
ECONOMY AND TOURISM
| Theme | Comments |
|---|---|
| Creation of a Community or Business Hub | There is a desire for a multi-purpose community and business hub. This would include an exhibition space for local history and temporary exhibits, a food outlet or café, a comfortable meeting space, and hot desk office space. Such a hub could also host creative community initiatives, providing both a space for social and cultural activities and a resource for businesses. |
| Small Business Opportunities and Facilities | There is a need for places where small businesses can operate, particularly for home-based businesses that face challenges with single-track roads, poor access, and limited parking. A pop-up facility, where traders could operate a retail space for a limited time, or small business storage units could provide more opportunities for entrepreneurs. |
| Flexible Office Space | There is interest in having office space locally for people who work for organisations like the council. This would allow residents to work from Stenness rather than always needing to travel to Kirkwall, supporting remote work and reducing travel time. |
| Fibre Broadband Access | While fibre broadband is in the pipeline, ensuring its availability to all residents is crucial to support home working, business operations, and access to services. |
| Housing Availability | There is a need for more housing to attract employees to the area, especially with local unemployment rates being low. Without adequate housing options, it may be difficult for people moving from outside the area to settle in Stenness. |
| Employment Opportunities | There are limited employment opportunities in Stenness, with only a few local businesses providing jobs. More efforts are needed to create spaces where small businesses can thrive and provide more jobs for residents. |
| Improved Transport and Access | Bus times don't align well with typical 9-5 work patterns, particularly for commuting to Stromness. Improved transport options or better timing of services could help increase access to work opportunities. |
| Business Storage and Retail Spaces | There is a need for small business storage units and retail outlets, especially for small builders and craft businesses that may struggle to afford shop spaces on the main street. Providing these facilities could support local entrepreneurs. |
| Attracting New Businesses | Stenness could benefit from the creation of a west mainland business hub offering flexible working and hireable space, which could attract new businesses to the area and provide opportunities for local residents. |
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
| Theme | Comments |
|---|---|
| Aesthetic Enhancements | Revitalise the service station frontage and the vacant land opposite to improve the village's visual appeal. Address run-down or neglected areas, including buildings behind the shop and overgrown/abandoned spaces. General beautification efforts to create a more welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. |
| Infrastructure Development | Address flooding issues, particularly near the community centre and low-lying areas. Improve connectivity and safe walking routes for children, tourists, and residents. |
| Community Amenities | Create quiet, nature-focused spaces with seating for relaxation. |
| Tourism and Economic Opportunities | Upgrade the community hall, including facilities like the kitchen, toilets, and heating. Add more benches and litter bins to encourage responsible use of public spaces. Develop infrastructure to encourage tourists to stay longer, such as small business hubs or flexible spaces for new ventures. Improve parking options near key locations, including the shop, with potential use of vacant land across the main road. Enhance facilities for tourists, including public toilets at Neolithic sites and improved signage for Maeshowe. Provide a crossing over the main road to improve safety for pedestrians. |
| Safety and Accessibility | Ensure better access for all users, especially to school road and other busy areas. Expand verge access for safer walking routes outside the village. |
HOUSING
| Theme | Comments |
|---|---|
| Lack of Affordable Housing | There is a general shortage of affordable homes, particularly for younger people and families. The housing market is priced out of reach for many local residents, making it difficult for young people to remain in the area. More starter homes and affordable social housing are seen as essential to meet local needs. |
| Planning Issues | The planning process is considered difficult, especially for those wishing to build on private land. Local families, particularly young people, find it hard to get permission to build homes in the parish, while newcomers often purchase properties. The use of heritage and archaeological site concerns (e.g., with HES) can be a barrier, even when there are no objections. More flexible planning policies and a more proactive approach from the Orkney Islands Council Planning Department could help address these challenges. |
| Lack of Accessible and Assisted Housing | There is a need for more accessible and assisted housing for people with mobility challenges or those in need of support. The existing housing options are seen as insufficient in meeting the needs of these groups. |
| Flooding and Climate Change | There are concerns about the impact of climate change and flooding, which are expected to worsen over time. More attention needs to be given to these issues, especially when considering the construction of new housing or infrastructure. |
| Housing Stock Condition | Some existing houses are old and damp, and improvements such as better insulation and energy-efficient heating are needed. Support in the form of grants for these improvements would be beneficial, particularly for those who don't qualify for programs like Warmworks. |
| Support for Young Locals | There is a desire for more support to help young local families secure housing, particularly through a preference system in rented accommodation that favours those who have lived in the area for longer. Some residents feel that newcomers are being prioritised, while local families struggle to find suitable housing. |
| Impact of Second Homes | Second homes that are rarely occupied are contributing to the housing shortage. There is concern about properties being purchased as second homes, which do not contribute to the local community or school roll. |
| Limited Housing for Larger Families | Many of the social housing options in Stenness are smaller homes, typically with only two bedrooms. There is a demand for larger homes suitable for families. |
| Farming Community Challenges | The traditional farming community is struggling due to financial pressures on farms. There is interest in reviewing planning permissions on farmland to allow for more housing, which could support farmers and help sustain the community. |
Appendix D: Links to supporting documents referenced in or utilised in the production of the plan
- Orkney Local Development Plan, Adopted: 18 April 2017: Orkney Local Development Plan
- Review of Local Development Plan: Review of Local Development Plan
- Orkney Local Transport Strategy, Delivery Plan: https://www.orkney.gov.uk/media/0ejk3hwi/lts-delivery-plan.pdf
- The Orkney Community Plan: The Orkney Partnership | Home
- Orkney Outdoor Access Strategy: Orkney Outdoor Access Strategy
- National Planning Framework 4: National Planning Framework 4 - gov.scot