Planning FAQs

 

Planning FAQs

Q1. What is a Development Plan?
Q2. What is a Structure Plan?
Q3. What is a Local Plan?
Q4. How do I get involved in the Local Plan for my area?
Q5. How important is the role of the Community Council?

Answers

What is a Development Plan?
The term 'development plan' is a collective term for two types of plan: Structure Plan and Local Plan. Local authorities have a legal duty to prepare a development plan, which becomes the main consideration against which planning applications are determined.

What is a Structure Plan?
Structure Plans are broad-brush strategic documents which generally cover larger areas, and are approved by the Scottish Ministers.

What is a Local Plan?
Local Plans are site specific and cover all land and property in the plan area. Local Plans should conform with the Structure Plan for the area. They consist of an Ordnance Survey based map and a written statement setting out in appropriate detail the authorities proposals for development and landuse.
As a Local Plan progresses through the various stages in the preparation process it gains more importance when we come to determine planning applications.

How do I get involved in the Local Plan for my area?
As part of any local plan process we will hold a number of workshops and events to discuss the Local Plan for your area. Our web site together with local newspapers will be used to publicise and give access to the Plan. You will have the opportunity to make your views known to us on anything in the plan once it is placed 'on deposit'.

How important is the role of the Community Council?
Community Councils and have an important role in distributing the message of an area's Local Plan among the communities they represent increasing knowledge of the Plan and encouraging active citizenship.