The authority formally agreed its Proposed LDP earlier this month and will submit its proposals to Scottish Ministers for examination later this year, following consideration of representations received during the consultation period.

Once every five years the council is required to publish a new LDP 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.

As part of the process, each year a Development Plan Scheme is published to inform stakeholders of the stage the council is at in preparing a new Local Development Plan for the area. 

Within the Development Plan Scheme approved by the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC) on Thursday (March 12) are details of the forthcoming community engagement surrounding the proposed LDP.

Public consultation on the proposed LDP will commence on Monday, April 27 and run until June 19. Included is a series of nine public drop-in sessions and opportunities for wider access to the published documents through every Aberdeenshire library and the internet during the consultation period.

Members of the ISC were advised that updates to the Local Development Plan e-newsletter will also be undertaken during the consultation period, along with a social media campaign and the production of three short films on the Plan-making process.

The committee heard that all community councils and everyone who made comment on the Main Issues Report will be contacted and invited to view and make comment on the council’s Proposed LDP.

The following nine public drop-in sessions are currently scheduled to run from 1pm-7.30pm, however, please bear in mind these are subject to change/cancellation given the current situation surrounding coronavirus.

• Monday, May 4 - Banchory Town Hall
• Tuesday, May 5 - Deveron Centre, Banff
• Wednesday, May 6 - New Inn Hotel, Ellon
• Monday, May 11 - Mearns Academy, Laurencekirk
• Wednesday, May 13 - Stewarts Hall, Huntly
• Thursday, May 21 - Glebe House, Fyvie
• Monday, May 25 – Stonehaven Community Education Centre
• Tuesday, May 26 - MACBI Community Hub, Mintlaw
• Monday, June 1 - Kintore Public Hall

Councillor Peter Argyle, ISC chair, said: “I would like to thank all those who have already made comment throughout the process and would encourage all our communities to again participate in this latest consultation process.

“These community-based consultations, which form such a key part of the plan, continue to ensure that anyone in Aberdeenshire with an interest can help shape the plan to meet local needs.”

Councillor John Cox, vice-chair, added: “The proposed Local Development Plan is a significant document for Aberdeenshire in planning terms as it provides a clear vision for future development across the region. This robust framework ensures we can make important decisions on planning matters which affect our communities and the wider area.”

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 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.