A consultation is due to take place in Orkney helping to shape future development projects.

The council is seeking ideas and views which will help formulate the next version of the county's Local Development Plan (LDP).

The current plan provides key planning information for individuals, communities and investors on where development should take place and where it should not, along with the supporting infrastructure which may be required.

The council's Planning Manager Stuart West said: "The current consultation, which runs for 10 weeks, provides an important opportunity to ensure the plan best meets Orkney’s future needs.

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"We hope people, groups, organisations and businesses will share their thoughts and comments and, more importantly, their vision and aspirations for the county’s future development."

As part of the consultation, the council has published a 'main issues' report.

This highlights key changes that have occurred since the current plan was adopted.

It also describes the development and land use issues likely to be of key importance to Orkney during the life of the next LDP.

For each of these a preferred option is described, along with alternatives.

They include:

• Potential areas for larger-scale wind energy projects. The future development of settlements ranging from towns and villages to smaller groups of homes and businesses.

• Housing in the countryside.

• Housing design.

• Development around the coast and in local waters.

(LM)