Local plans
What is a Local Plan?
Local Plans are land-use plans, prepared by all Councils for their area.
They contain detailed guidance on where we will encourage development and where it is unlikely to be allowed. They are an essential point of reference for anyone who wants to build in Perth & Kinross or to know what could be built in your local area.
How many local plans are there in Perth and Kinross?
We have six Local Plans covering Perth and Kinross. These are the Eastern, Highland, Kinross, Perth Central, Perth, and Strathearn area Local Plans. Each plan provides an up-to-date statement of the Council's planning policies and proposals for that area.
Where can I see a local plan for my area?
The Local Plans can be viewed in most libraries and Council offices. From here you can view the Local Plans which are currently available on this website.
Where can I buy a copy of a local plan?
Copies can be purchased (usually at a cost of £15) from Perth & Kinross Council, The Environment Service, Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull Street Perth, PH1 5PH or by telephoning 01738 475300.
How often are they updated?
Roughly every five years. For information on the current status and progress of any Plan see the Development Plan Update
Which Plan do I use?
Until a local plan is replaced by a more up-to-date version, the adopted local plan remains in force. However as the replacement plan progresses towards adoption, it becomes a relevant consideration in the determination of planning applications.
Producing local plans is not a once-and-for-all task. They have to be continually reviewed and kept up-to-date. You will have the chance to comment on proposed planning policies for your area each time we review or replace a local plan or propose an alteration to part of an existing local plan.
How are the Local Plans prepared?
There are six stages in Local Plan preparation and many opportunities for you to become involved. The six stages are:
- Intention to prepare: we publish a notice in local newspapers and the Edinburgh Gazette advising that a new or replacement plan is to be prepared and display the notice in local libraries and other public places. We notify and ask for early views from community organisations active in the area, appropriate public bodies and any other interested parties, especially those with development intentions.
- Preparation of a draft plan: this is known as the "draft written statement" and contains draft policies and proposals. When published, we advertise it widely as being available for public comment. There is then a period in which anyone can lodge comments.
- Finalised Plan: The production of an updated version of the plan called the "finalised" version will follow the consideration of comments. There is a period of six weeks following its publication for making objections.
- Public Inquiry: if objections to the final plan cannot be resolved, we will organise an inquiry and appoint an independent Reporter to hear evidence. The Reporter will consider submissions either in writing or in person at a Public Local Inquiry.
- Modifications to the plan: after the inquiry, if there is one, the Reporter will produce a report in which (s)he will suggest changes to the plan. We then decide whether we wish to incorporate these suggestions in to a modified version of the plan. We are not legally bound to adhere to the Reporter's suggested changes.
- Adoption: if we decide to modify the plan, we must again give opportunity for objections from the public. We will then either adopt the plan (the point at which the plan comes into force), or hold another inquiry (back to stage 5 again).
Can we change only part of a Plan?
Yes, this is known as a Local Plan Alteration. Alterations to a local plan are generally prepared where it is felt that, while a plan may remain relevant and up-to-date, new issues require to be addressed. Often, alterations are indicated by a monitoring of the local plan or changes to the structure plan, which indicate policies or proposals which may no longer be fully supported as a basis for decision-making. The alteration procedure does not replace the entire local plan, but may alter a part of the plan or add to the existing plan.
Are the stages for preparation the same?
There is an optional expedited alteration procedure which is designed to streamline procedures for straightforward alterations. This means that we have the discretion to dispense with publicity and consultation on a draft plan and go straight to the stage of placing the finalised alteration on deposit.
This expedited procedure is used only where we consider that the public interest will not be prejudiced by reduced publicity and consultation requirements.
It is expected that expedited procedures should be the normal procedure for progressing alterations unless significant and wide ranging issues are involved.
What happens after the Plan is Adopted?
Once adopted by us, the Local Plan forms part of the development plan. We are required to determine planning applications in accordance with the provisions of the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. This means that in the majority of cases decisions whether or not to grant planning permission will be made in accordance with the development plan. If we propose to grant planning permission for a development which does not accord with the terms of the development plan, we are required to follow set procedures.
These include advertising the planning application in a local newspaper, giving details of the application and where it may be seen. We must consider objections and, if planning permission is granted, provide objectors with a statement of reasons why the departure from the plan is justified.
What if I'm dissatisfied?
We hope that you will be satisfied with the planning service we provide. If you have any suggestions, concerns or difficulties we want to hear from you.
We are committed to improving our service and dealing promptly with any failures. We will consider all complaints made about the way in which an objection to or comment on a local plan was dealt with. Disagreement with a decision of the Council will not, in itself, be a ground for complaint.
The quickest way to sort things out is to talk to the officer nominated to deal with the objection or comment, or with the Programme Officer if the matter is procedural. If you are still dissatisfied, talk to the Development Plans Manager. If he/she is unable to help you will be given the name of a more senior manager who will investigate the matter.
Written complaints will be acknowledged and then fully and promptly investigated. The complainant will be given a written response explaining the outcome of the investigation and any action which we propose to take. If no action is proposed, the reasons will be explained.
