How we prepare and deliver an LDP

The Local Development Plan (LDP) process has many stages. It takes a total of 5 years to prepare each LDP.

Development plan scheme

Our annual development plan scheme details when we will prepare a new plan, and how the public and other groups can get involved. This is an important document that provides up to date information on progress towards the production of the plan the engagement to be undertaken.

LDP process explained

Every plan is prepared and delivered slightly differently but, generally, the main stages of preparing and delivering a Local Development Plan are the same.

Data collection

The first step is to gather our evidence and identify local issues which may need to be addressed. We collect information on the policy areas from the current National Planning Framework 4 for example biodiversity, quality of homes and infrastructure. 

Topic papers and Evidence Report

We use the evidence gathered and feedback received from all stakeholders to prepare topic papers that inform the Evidence Report (this was previously called Main Issues Report). The report is our interpretation of the evidence we have gathered and summarises what that means for the plan.

Gate Check

The Evidence Report must be reviewed and assessed by an independent Reporter appointed by the Scottish Government. This process is called Gate Check and it determines if the council has sufficient and appropriate information to prepare an LDP.  If so, we can then move to the next step which is creating the Proposed Local Development Plan.

Preparation of the proposed plan

The Evidence Report is the basis for discussion with communities and stakeholders on ideas to resolve the issues identified. This is referred to as Call for Ideas. It is an opportunity for communities to speak directly with the policy team about their thoughts on how the emerging plan should address issues identified within their settlement.

Based on objectives set out in the Evidence Report and community feedback, the council's area committees will instruct the content of a Proposed Local Development Plan. This will be prepared and publish for public comments.

At this stage we will prepare a draft delivery programme to support the Proposed Local Development Plan.

Modification of the Proposed Local Development Plan

If, following consultation, any changes are needed to the proposed plan, we will prepare a modified report which sets out the changes made and explains the reasons for them. These changes are referred to as modifications and will be considered by Aberdeenshire councillors.

Once we have updated the plan with the changes from the report, the Modified Proposed Local Development Plan will be sent to the Scottish Government for public examination.

Examination and adoption of the plan

An independent reporter from the Directorate of the Planning and Environmental Appeal (DPEA) will scrutinise the modified proposed plan. They will produce a report with their conclusions and recommendations. The council will then have to decide whether to accept the recommendations. 

The final plan can then be adopted.

Delivery programme

After adoption, we will update our delivery programme.