From Aberdeenshire Council communications team –
Aberdeenshire Council has agreed to adopt the Proposed Local Development Plan 2020 as modified.
The Examination into the Local Development Plan concluded in June this year with a set of conclusions and recommendations from the Scottish Government Reporter which are normally binding, except in limited circumstances.
Aberdeenshire Council’s area committees were recently presented with the recommendations for scrutiny with their views on whether to accept or otherwise the Reporter’s modifications to the Proposed Aberdeenshire LDP 2022 being considered today (Wed, Sept 21) by the Full Council.
The finalised Local Development Plan 2022 will now be proposed to Scottish Ministers and the Plan adopted on a date probably in late October this year.
How land will be used for the next five years
During discussion, elected members heard that the Plan will direct decision-making on all land-use planning issues and planning applications across Aberdeenshire over the next five years. It will be the last Local Development Plan to be published prior to new provisions within the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 which introduces a new style of 10-year plan.
The format 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. However both policies, the rules that govern whether planning permission should be granted, and proposed allocations, where development proposals can take place, have been updated.
It also seeks to ensure that the exceptional cultural and natural environment across Aberdeenshire is protected and enhanced. Housing opportunities have been identified across Aberdeenshire including new development sites at Banchory, Portlethen, Kemnay, Echt, Fetterangus, Fyvie, Gourdon, Inverurie, Newburgh, Pitmedden, St Combs and Turriff among others.