Published on:
24
October 2013
An 8 week period for representations will kick off in mid-November following the approval of the Proposed Local Development Plan (LDP) for Clackmannanshire at today's Council meeting. The Council will also consult on an Open Space Strategy produced and approved alongside the LDP.
Local Development Plans provide a robust, plan-led approach to land use planning and development, setting out a clear, concise, long-term vision for the future development of an area and providing relevant and up to date policy guidance.
The Proposed LDP represents the Council's position in terms of the policies it wishes to adopt and the sites and projects it wishes to promote and support. It looks to guide the future use and development of land in the area for the next 20 years, and requires to be reviewed at least every 5 years.
The Proposed LDP follows on from consultation on a Main Issues Report (MIR) in early 2011. This was the first major step in the LDP process and the first stage of public involvement in its preparation, when the public, internal and external partners including statutory consultees, key agencies, local communities, developers, landowners, businesses and Elected Members had the greatest opportunity to be involved and influence the preparation and content of the Proposed LDP.
Alongside the Main Issues Report, the Council also consulted on an Open Space Framework which sought opinions on key topics including woodland; allotments and food production; accessibility to open space; management and maintenance of open space; and habitat networks. An Open Space Audit and Strategy has been developed in order to provide a co-ordinated, strategic and long term approach to the provision and management of high quality, accessible open spaces and this is being consulted on at the same time as the Proposed LDP. Comments received will be considered in preparing the finalised Strategy which will be reported back to Council for final approval.
Supplementary Guidance has also been produced which provides further information or detail in respect of policies contained within the Proposed LDP. The topics covered are; Developer Contributions, Onshore Wind Energy, Placemaking, Water, Affordable Housing, Green Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency and Low Carbon Development. These will be adopted along with the LDP and will form part of the Development Plan.
Other documents produced in association with the Proposed LDP and Open Space Strategy include Environmental Reports, a Habitat Regulations Appraisal, an Action Programme, a Background Report and a Muckhart Conservation Area Appraisal. During the representations period, comments can be made on any aspect of the Proposed LDP and Open Space Strategy, including the associated documents. Copies of all of the documents can be viewed and downloaded from ClacksWeb, and have been placed in local libraries and at the main Council offices. Events to promote the Proposed LDP will also be run during the representation period.
Enterprise and Environment Convenor, Councillor Donald Balsillie said: "Local people are very passionate and proud of their area and Clackmannanshire in general. Your feedback will help us to ensure future developments in Clackmannanshire are sustainable and enhance our areas environment and sense of place."
Following the conclusion of the period for representations, the Council will need to take a view on each representation and prepare a response. Any outstanding representations which cannot be resolved will require to be considered through an Examination led by a Reporter appointed by the Scottish Government. Once the Examination is complete, the Reporter will prepare a report setting out their findings and giving reasons for their conclusions. The Council will then be required to amend the LDP in line with the findings of the Report, in all but very limited exceptional circumstances. The Council will then have to amend the LDP in accordance with the Reporter's findings and proceed to adopt it.