This service is managed by Planning and Regulatory Services
Local Place Plans
Local Place Plans give communities the right to produce their own plans, setting out ideas and proposals for the development and use of land in their area.
These community-led plans set out people's aspirations for the place they live, and suggest solutions. By setting out priorities for future development, Local Place Plans can also help communities develop and deliver their own projects.
Once completed and registered by us, a Local Place Plan will be considered when we prepare the Local Development Plan. Local Place Plans aren't part of the Development Plan itself, but proposals within them may be included in the Local Development Plan. Where they aren't, we'll explain why, and there'll be an opportunity for this to be independently assessed.
To help communities meet the regulatory requirements for submitting a Local Place Plan, we've produced a document with templates for Information Notices and a suggested Supporting Statement.
Local Place Plans
Frequently asked questions
What are Local Place Plans?
What are Local Place Plans?
Local Place Plans are community-led plans setting out proposals for the development and use of land.
They might cover things like:
- new homes, including affordable homes, local employment or community facilities
- climate change mitigation and adaptation, such as renewable energy and flood risk management
- active travel and community growing
- improvements to town or village centres
- open space, play and community facilities
- conservation of local wildlife or the built environment
A Local Place Plan may also identify land and buildings the community considers particularly significant to the area.
Does a community need to do a Local Place Plan?
Does a community need to do a Local Place Plan?
No. There are many other ways for individuals and communities to have their say in preparing the Local Development Plan. We're happy to discuss the best way for your community to be involved, for example, working together to map your aspirations for infrastructure, services and future development priorities.
We'll also take into account other plans, such as Island Development Plans or partnership plans, that reflect similar community aspirations.
Who prepares a Local Place Plan?
Who prepares a Local Place Plan?
A Local Place Plan must be prepared by, or on behalf of, a Community Council or a community-controlled body, as defined by the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. If you're unsure whether your group qualifies, we can advise. Preparing a plan should be collaborative and community-led, involving as many people and organisations with an interest in the area as possible.
How do you prepare a Local Place Plan?
How do you prepare a Local Place Plan?
The Planning Act and Local Place Plan Regulations set out steps you need to follow, summarised in the Scottish Government's Circular. This includes setting out any reasons for considering the Local Development Plan should be amended, and a statement on the consultation you've carried out.
The Scottish Government has also published a Draft How to Guide for Local Place Plans, split into 4 sections, to help communities decide whether a Local Place Plan is right for them and how to prepare one.
What area should a Local Place Plan cover?
What area should a Local Place Plan cover?
There's no set requirement for the area a Local Place Plan should cover, it's up to the community to decide. This could be a town, a village, or a whole community council area.
When would a Local Place Plan need to be submitted?
When would a Local Place Plan need to be submitted?
In line with our timetable for producing the next Local Development Plan, the deadline for submitting a Local Place Plan is 31 October 2026. This allows us to review, register, and take account of Local Place Plans when we prepare the Local Development Plan.
What consultation needs to be undertaken for a Local Place Plan?
What consultation needs to be undertaken for a Local Place Plan?
Before submitting your Local Place Plan to us, you must send a copy to each councillor for the area, and any community council whose area is within or adjoins it.
You'll also need to provide evidence of engagement with the wider community, a statement setting out the community's support for the plan, how you reached that view, and a description of any consultation you carried out.
What support can the Council offer?
What support can the Council offer?
We can't prepare a Local Place Plan for you, but our Development Plan team can signpost you to guidance and advise on the process and requirements. If you're interested in preparing a Local Place Plan, email us to discuss what support you might need.
Are there other support tools?
Are there other support tools?
Community Map Scotland has been developed to help Scottish Community Councils create their Local Place Plans. The software is free for the first year for any Community Council group.