Aberdeenshire Council has announced it will be consulting community groups, other stakeholders and councillors on the latest Local Development Plan Scheme.

The four year project will set out the new Local Development Plan to create a framework for development of land in Aberdeenshire from 2016-2021 and beyond.

The Council says it will be focusing this year on informal engagement with community and stakeholder groups to create a 'Main Issues Report' in October 2013.

This document will outline necessary changes to the current plan, including changes to the policies used to determine planning applications as well as additional land allocated for development.

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There will then be public engagement, leading to the production of a proposed Local Development Plan towards the end of 2014.

The Local Development Plan and associated supplementary guidance is expected to be adopted in April 2016.

Committee chairman Cllr Peter Argyle said: "We were pleased to see a great amount of public interest in the creation of the Local Development Plan approved in 2012. What we want to do now is build on that success to ensure as wide a range of views as possible is gathered to shape the next plan.

"Although this is a council-led process, it really is the input from those we consult with that makes the final plan such a relevant and valuable guidance document."

Committee vice-chairman Cllr Allan Buchan said: "The creation of a local development plan is one of the most comprehensive pieces of planning that any council undertakes.

"This is why we’re beginning the process now, so that all interested groups get the chance to inspect, comment upon, understand and help shape the next plan."

(IT)