East Lothian Council has been recognised for its excellence in planning for its Local Development Plan (LDP).

The LDP was shortlisted in the Excellence in Plan Making category at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2019.

The RTPI Awards celebrate exceptional examples of planning and the contribution planners make to society.

East Lothian's LDP sets out a planning guide across the region until 2024 and beyond.

Norman Hampshire, Depute Council Leader and Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, said: "The LDP is a hugely important piece of work as it provides East Lothian with a sustainable strategy for jobs and homes, making the best use of existing infrastructure whilst allowing for new infrastructure including new schools and improved transport networks. It supports our aim of securing an even more prosperous, safe and sustainable East Lothian, that enables all of our people and communities to flourish.

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"I was personally very pleased that Scottish Ministers accepted our draft LDP with only very minor changes as it reflected the extremely high quality of work and careful consultation that was carried out by colleagues. The fact it has been shortlisted for this prestigious national award is just another huge endorsement for our planning team and all colleagues across the council who helped inform the LDP preparation process. It's a great example of team working and a One Council approach."

The winners will be announced during a ceremony held at Milton Court Concert Hall in central London on 24 April 2019.

(CM/JG)