Preparing a Local Place Plan
The publication of the approved NPF4 will mark the production of the first part of the new development plan. This will be added to by Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2) which is currently being prepared, and will take into account the strategy and policy in NPF4 and other relevant national strategies.
The East Lothian Local Development Plan 2018 is the current plan for the area. This will be replaced by LDP2 and the Policy and Strategy Team have started preliminary work on producing the Evidence Report for LDP2. The Evidence Report will contain the baseline information and issues on which LDP2 will be based, and will set out planning policies and proposals for the use and development of land across East Lothian. It will be shaped by the views and aspirations of communities across the district. We aim to adopt LDP2 in 2025.
If a Local Place Plan is produced, the Council will place it on a register of Local Place Plans and will take its content into account during the development of the next Local Development Plan. We're inviting communities to prepare Local Place Plans so that they can play a proactive role in defining the future of their places.
East Lothian’s communities will be consulted at various stages of the Local Development Plan 2 preparation process. If community groups decide to produce a Local Place Plan this will not prevent them from engaging in the wider LDP2 process.
Local Place Plans should be submitted to us by Spring 2024, to help fully inform the development of Local Development Plan 2.
The Scottish Government has published a Circular (Circular 1/2022: Local Place Plans) which provides guidance for both communities and planning authorities on the preparation, submission and registration of Local Place Plans.
The Circular updates guidance contained within an earlier draft ‘How to Guide’ aimed specifically at communities. It is anticipated that an updated version of the How to Guide will be produced by the Scottish Government.
The main requirements for a LPP are that it must:
- be prepared by a community council or a community body (as defined by Community Empowerment legislation)
- be a proposal as to the development or use of land, and
- fulfil the legal requirements set out in the relevant legislation (Circular 1/2022: Local Place Plans)
If you are considering preparing a Local Place Plan, we would love to hear from you. We have created a Local Place Plan enquiry form for you to let us know more about your aspirations and any issues. Please complete this form and email it to us at: policy&projects@eastlothian.gov.uk or alternatively print the form and return by post to:
Planning Service, East Lothian Council, John Muir House, Brewery Park, Haddington, EH41 3HA.If you have any other questions about Local Place Plans, please feel free to contact us.
Useful external links
Renfrewshire Council Local Place Plans 'How to' guide
Early examples of Local Place Plans from Applecross, Kirkwall and Udny