Report of Examination received for Proposed Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2020
Aberdeenshire Council has now received the Report of Examination for the Proposed Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2020.
It was issued by the Department of Environmental Appeals (DPEA) and the council’s Policy Team is currently working through the report and its recommendations with a view to onward reporting to committees in the coming months.
The report is available on the Aberdeenshire Council website here: https://aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/plans-and-policies/pldp-2020/
And on the DPEA website at https://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?ID=121481
The latest plan will direct decision-making on all land-use planning issues and planning applications across Aberdeenshire over the next five years.
Once every five years the council is required to publish a new plan for the area to inform and advise developers and communities of the principles on which built development should follow and where it should be located.
This will be the last Local Development Plan to be published prior to new provisions within the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 with regards to a 10-year plan.
The content of the proposed LDP remains largely unchanged from the existing Local Development Plan 2017, featuring an ongoing vision of helping develop a strong and resilient economy, promoting a high quality of life and sustainable, low carbon places.
It also seeks to ensure that the exceptional cultural and natural environment across Aberdeenshire is protected and enhanced.
New housing opportunities have been identified across Aberdeenshire including sites at Banchory, Echt, Fetterangus, Fyvie, Gourdon, Inverurie, Newburgh, Pitmedden, St Combs and Turriff among others.
Development continues to be focused towards the three strategic growth areas along the A90 north and south and the A96.
Aberdeenshire Council has also taken a positive step in removing long-standing sites which have failed to be delivered.
Policies contained within the proposed LDP are intended to ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the area and direct the right development to the right place in line with national policy.
Aberdeenshire has had a fully up-to-date LDP for a number of years which ensures that new developments take place alongside the provision of facilities such as schools and in places where the transport system is either suitable for dealing with the increased travel demand or can be improved.
Head of Planning and Economy, Paul Macari, said: “The policy framework contained within the proposed LDP outlines a sustainable development strategy for Aberdeenshire with a focus on maximising development opportunity, delivery, regeneration and conservation of our built and natural environments.”