A new development plan for the Shetland Islands has been given council approval.

The Shetland Development Plan will see the implementation of a new guide regarding decisions on future development in the isles.

The Local Development Plan (LDP) will affect various aspects of procedures and guidelines on the Islands, including identifying sites and protecting the natural environment.

The LDP was drawn up following consultation with stakeholders and the community.

It is intended to provide greater clarity regarding appropriate areas for different kinds of development.

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The public were consulted throughout the plans and now have a further six weeks to comment. Following the public consultation period, the plans will be submitted to ministers for approval.

Chair of the Development Committee, Alastair Cooper, said: "The Council has now set out how Shetland should develop and how policies should balance community and development aspirations, while seeking to protect Shetland’s environment. I believe we have a good document in the LDP and I look forward to progressing onto the next stages. We are keen for the public to engage in the six-week period for representation to ensure it is owned by everyone."

Political Leader, Gary Robinson, says: "The new LDP identifies sites for development and gives some degree of certainty that it will happen. The previous Structure and Local Plans gave no weight to areas that a landowner might wish to sell. This meant that all too often available land wasn't zoned for development and land that was available often wasn't suitable or in demand. The new LDP is much more development friendly as required by the new planning act."

(IT)