Local Development Plan 2 (LDP 2) - Updates and Consultations

LDP 2 - AN INVITATION TO PREPARE LOCAL PLACE PLANS

If you are a community body and are considering preparing a Local Place Plan (LPP) we would like to hear from you. Please complete the Local Place Plan Enquiry/Notice of Interest form. 

If you have previously advised the council of your intent you do not have to send a notification although you are still welcome to do so.

Please be assured that by intimating your interest it doesn't in any way commit you to submitting a LPP at a future date. If you subsequently decide not to proceed we would simply ask that you let us know in order for us to maintain up to date records.

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Background

The council has begun the process of preparing a new Local Development Plan for West Lothian - LDP 2.

The new plan will set out planning policies and proposals for the use and development of land across West Lothian for a period of 10 year and it is the council's intention that it should be adopted in 2026.

A timetable for the preparation of LDP 2 has recently been published as part of the Local Development Plan Scheme No.15

When preparing this new LDP it is important that there is the opportunity for it to be informed by the views and aspirations of local communities and for them to have an enhanced role in the decisions that will affect 'their place'.   

The council is fulfilling its obligation under Section 14(2) of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 to invite all community councils and other community-controlled bodies to consider submitting a LPP.

A LPP is a new innovation in the development plan process and a new type of community-led plan which can identify issues, gather ideas and express aspirations for the future development and use of land which a community self-defines itself by.

Some examples of the issues a LPP might address include:

•           sites or proposals that support climate change adaptation/renewable energy/flood mitigation;

•           local initiatives for the promotion of active travel and community food growing;

•           sites for housing (including affordable), local employment or tourism/community facilities;

•           improvements to open space, play facilities and green/blue infrastructure;

•           proposals to conserve and improve the natural and built environment; and

•           improvements to town and neighbourhood centres

This list is not exhaustive and it should also not be seen as a constraint on the scope of subject matters which a LPP can address.

It should however be noted that there is no obligation to prepare a LPP and that the decision is wholly for communities to decide themselves. There will continue to be other opportunities for communities and individuals to engage in the preparation of LDP 2 which will be publicised as the plan progresses.

To ensure that LPPs are able to inform the evidence report stage of the LDP they must be submitted for registration not later than 31 March 2024. While Local Place Plans submitted after the evidence report stage will not be able to be reflected in the evidence report they will nevertheless still be a valid consideration in the preparation of the new plan. 

In the event that a key LDP 2 processing date is not realised (and requires to be adjusted) the council will advise whether the required submission date for LPPs is also to be extended as a consequence. Assurance is given that the submission date of 31 March 2024 will not be brought forward (but it may be extended to a later date thereby providing some additional time to submit).

The Scottish Government has published Circular 1/2022: Local Place Plans which provides guidance for both communities and planning authorities on the preparation, submission and registration of LPPs. This is a 'must read' document for anyone contemplating the preparation of a LPP.

The Circular updates guidance contained within an earlier draft How to guide aimed specifically at communities which can be accessed by clicking the link.

The main requirements for LPPs are that they must:

• be prepared by a community council or a community body (as defined by the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015;

• be 'a proposal as to the development or use of land'; and

• fulfil the legal requirements set out in the relevant legislation (these are explained further within Circular 1/2022)

The council cannot prepare LPPs for or on behalf of communities but can help community groups establish themselves and signpost groups to sources of information and practical help. It can also provide further advice on the process and requirements for LPPs in West Lothian and has published comprehensive information on the LDP 2 section of this website including answers to frequently asked questions and links to other information and resources.

If you have any questions about LPPs please refer in the first instance to the dedicated section of the website. However if you don't find the answer you need you can email the Development Planning and Environment team at wlldp@westlothgian.gov.uk who will be happy to help.