This service is managed by Planning and Regulatory Services
Development briefs
Development briefs guide how specific sites should be developed, covering issues like layout, access, and flooding or drainage. Once approved, a development brief carries weight as Planning Policy Advice when we determine planning applications for that site.
We lead the production of development briefs, though landowners, developers or agents may prepare one with our assistance, depending on the site. Before a brief is approved, there's a period of public consultation, and comments received are fully considered before the final version is adopted.
Related resources
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Site H4, Finstown (Adopted 2009)
This document contains a housing development brief for the 1.5ha H4 site south of the A965 in Finstown. It sets out plans for three phases: council homes, low-cost home ownership and self-build plots. The guide covers building design, landscaping, open space, play areas, wildlife, boundaries, roads, parking, walking links and drainage, with a focus on fitting the development into Orkney’s landscape and traditions.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Corse West, Kirkwall (Adopted April 2010)
This document contains the development brief for Corse West, a large site on the western edge of Kirkwall. It sets out a phased masterplan for mixed housing, health and care facilities, open spaces and connected walking and cycling routes. It also gives design guidance on buildings, boundaries, landscaping, parking and community spaces, with a focus on local character and sustainable materials. Flood risk near Muddisdale Burn must be managed through open space and suitable drainage, and planning applications must include a design statement.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Westermill, Burray (Adopted April 2010)
This document contains the Orkney Islands Council development brief for housing sites H1 and H2 at Westermill, Burray, published in April 2010. It sets out plans for two further phases, including 24 homes, a children’s play area and links to existing housing and Burray Community School. The brief also gives guidance on building design, local materials, boundaries, landscaping, open space, roads, parking, walking, cycling and water management.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Garson, Stromness (Adopted 1 March 2011)
This document contains a development brief for housing at Garson, Stromness, covering the phased development of sites 3 and 4. It sets out planning and design principles to create a coordinated neighbourhood that fits its coastal setting and Orcadian character. Requirements include suitable building styles, stone boundaries, open spaces, a children’s play area, walking and cycling links, road access, parking, sustainable drainage and connection to the public sewer.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Netherton Road, Stromness (Adopted March 2011)
This document contains a development brief for housing on Site H11 (North) at Netherton Road, Stromness. It explains the site’s planning context, landscape, access, services and weather conditions, and sets design rules for a phased development. Guidance covers building height and style, boundaries, sheltered shared spaces, landscaping, walking and cycling routes, traffic, drainage and surface water management. Applicants must show how their proposals respond to the brief in a design statement.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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North End, Stromness (Adopted March 2011)
This document contains the Orkney Islands Council’s 2011 development brief for North End, Stromness, replacing the 2005 mart site brief and expanding it to cover six development sites. It sets out opportunities for a supermarket, housing, hotel, office and mixed commercial uses, alongside plans for parking and safe pedestrian links to the proposed primary school. It also gives planning and design requirements covering building style, access, energy use, materials, landscaping, flooding, drainage and possible contaminated land.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Black Building, Kirkwall (Adopted May 2011)
This document contains a development brief for the former Black Building site on Inganess Road, Kirkwall. It sets out a framework for a mixed housing development of serviced plots and homes, with potential for up to 18 houses, while recognising the site’s history and views over Kirkwall Bay. The guidance covers building layout and height, access, shared streets, walking routes, landscaping, public open space, energy efficiency and drainage. Planning applications must follow the strategy plan and provide supporting design, traffic and drainage information.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Lyness, Hoy (Adopted 10 May 2011)
This document contains the May 2011 development brief for the 38-hectare Lyness Development Area on Hoy. It sets out the site’s history, planning context and potential for industrial, business and harbour development, including renewable energy-related uses. The brief also covers infrastructure needs, environmental and cultural heritage protection, building design, transport, drainage, landscaping and a phased approach to development.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Watersfield, Kirkwall (Adopted 10 May 2011)
This document contains the Orkney Islands Council’s 2011 development brief for Watersfield, Kirkwall. It explains the site’s planning background and sets out a phased approach for mixed-tenure housing, with possible future employment and community uses. The brief provides guidance on building design, protecting stone walls and farm buildings, open spaces, walking and cycling routes, road access, parking, and managing water and flood risks.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Central West, Kirkwall (Adopted 2011)
This document contains planning guidance for the coordinated redevelopment of Kirkwall’s Central West area, covering sites around Ayre Road, Jewsons Yard, the Scarth Centre, Power Station, Powerbowl and former bus station. It sets out possible mixed uses, including shops, homes, visitor accommodation, community facilities and public spaces, alongside new walking routes, parking and design principles. Flood risk is a major constraint, so most residential and larger developments cannot proceed until flood protection improvements are completed. It also covers land contamination, drainage, biodiversity, energy efficiency and developer contributions.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Grainbank, Kirkwall (Adopted 2 November 2011)
This document contains planning and design guidance for developing Grainbank Farm on the western edge of Kirkwall, including how the site can be built in phases while protecting Grainbank House, its walled garden and surrounding landscape. It sets out two possible approaches: housing across the site, or housing alongside a possible hospital and care facility, which had not been decided. It also covers layout, building style, open space, walking and cycling links, access, parking, drainage, flood protection and other requirements for planning applications.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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St Margaret's Hope (South), South Ronaldsay (Adopted October 2011)
This document contains planning and design guidance for proposed development at St Margaret’s Hope South, published by Orkney Islands Council in October 2011. It covers the site’s setting, planning background and development strategy for housing areas SMH-B and SMH-C. Guidance includes building design, boundaries, open spaces, play areas, landscaping, roads, movement, access and water management. It also explains application requirements and lists further information sources.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Eastbrae, Stromness (Adopted 12 July 2012)
This document contains supplementary guidance for housing development at Eastbrae, Stromness. It sets out a phased approach for low-density, scattered housing, with five homes proposed south of Wardhill Road and one or two homes to the north. It also gives design guidance on buildings, boundaries, landscaping, roads, access, parking and drainage, aiming to fit development with the area’s rural character and natural slopes.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Hatston Enterprise Area, Kirkwall (Adopted October 2012)
This document contains planning and design guidance for developing sites KB-1 and KB-2 at Crowness Business Park, west of Kirkwall, as part of the Hatston Enterprise Area. It sets out a vision for a high-quality business and industrial area supporting renewables, with strong building design, landscaping, coastal walking and cycling links, suitable access, drainage, flood protection and historic environment safeguards. It also explains planning application requirements, consultation, infrastructure and developer contributions.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Papdale, Kirkwall (Adopted 10 December 2013)
This document contains planning and design guidance for redeveloping the former Papdale Halls of Residence, Papdale Farm and nearby sites in Kirkwall. It outlines opportunities for housing and mixed uses, including around 15 homes or more, while protecting Papdale House, its historic farm buildings, woodland and open space. It also sets requirements for building design, boundaries, walking and cycling links, roads, parking and drainage.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Coplands Dock, Stromness (Adopted 4 March 2014)
This document contains the Orkney Islands Council development brief for Copland’s Dock, Stromness, updated to guide the phased growth of the harbour and renewables industry. It sets out potential uses, including fishing, industrial yards, parking, public open space, a coastal walkway and a care home. It also gives planning and design rules covering buildings, access, landscaping, flooding, water, waste, wildlife and archaeological interests.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Orkney Research Campus, Stromness (Adopted 8 July 2014)
This document contains the July 2014 development brief for the Orkney Research Campus in Stromness. It outlines opportunities for research, business, office, workshop and visitor accommodation uses across the former academy, primary school, car park and nearby land. It sets planning and design guidance covering building height, reuse of historic buildings, materials, landscape, views, sustainability, wildlife, access, parking and pedestrian links. It also explains how future development should be delivered in flexible, self-contained phases that respect Stromness’s townscape and setting.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Weyland, Kirkwall (Adopted 7 October 2014)
This document contains planning and design guidance for housing development at the Weyland site on Carness Road, Kirkwall. It sets out expectations for buildings, landscaping, open space, roads, walking and cycling links, parking, drainage and flood-risk management, while protecting the local character and environment. It also lists pre-application discussions and studies needed, including assessments of flooding, traffic and possible otter habitats.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Site STRA, Stromness (Adopted April 2015)
This document contains the development brief for site STR-A on Hillside Road, Stromness, prepared in April 2015. It sets out the Council’s expectations for high-quality housing that fits the local landscape, makes use of views, and connects well with the town. It covers phasing, building design, boundaries, open space, walking and cycling routes, roads, parking, landscaping and surface water drainage, and explains the information applicants should provide with planning applications.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Kirkwall South, Kirkwall (Adopted December 2016)
This document contains planning guidance for the southward expansion of Kirkwall, covering housing sites K-8 to K-11, a new hospital site and nearby land. It sets out a vision for well-designed, connected development, including around 245 homes, green spaces, paths, cycleways and improved access. It also explains requirements for flood risk, drainage, services, affordable housing, wildlife, archaeology, landscape protection and safeguarding Highland Park Distillery’s water supply.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Walliwall, Kirkwall (Adopted 6 October 2020)
This document contains the development brief for Kirkwall’s 6.5-hectare K5 housing site, which has capacity for 45 homes. It sets out the planning policy, site context and design requirements, including attractive streets, open spaces, active travel links and landscaping that reflects Kirkwall’s character. It also explains how development must manage surface water and flood risk, protect biodiversity and connect to nearby roads, paths and services. The brief includes guidance on preparing and submitting a planning application.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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K4 - Land North of Muddisdale Road, Kirkwall (Adopted February 2024)
This document contains a development brief for land north of Muddisdale Road in Kirkwall, including the K4 housing allocation. It considers using the site for recreation and open space, linked to a wider green corridor around Muddisdale and the Pickaquoy Centre. The brief sets principles for managing surface water, protecting and adding trees, improving biodiversity, supporting walking and cycling, and using sustainable design. It also lists the information future planning applications should provide.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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South End, Stromness (Adopted July 2024)
This document contains a development brief for Stromness South End, covering six housing sites expected to provide about 70 new homes. It sets out a shared vision and design guidance to protect Stromness’s landscape, heritage, stone dykes and wetlands, while improving walking, cycling, open spaces, drainage and links to local services. It also gives site-specific requirements and explains the surveys, infrastructure plans and supporting information needed for future planning applications.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Upper Sunnybank, Stromness
This document contains a development brief for 4.9ha of land at Upper Sunnybank, Stromness, allocated for around 40 homes. It explains the site’s planning context, opportunities and constraints, including views, drainage, roads, open space and nearby heritage. The brief sets out a phased approach, with affordable housing developed over time, and guidance on building design, landscaping, access, walking and cycling routes, parking and services. It will help assess future planning applications and is a material planning consideration.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.