The City of Edinburgh Council is encouraging residents to get involved in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods through the new initiative, Local Place Plans.

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Convener of the City of Edinburgh Council Planning Committee, is asking residents to use these plans to formally outline what they "care about, like and don't like" in their local area, as well as their community's future aspirations. The Council is required to recognise these plans when preparing the city's next major planning blueprint, City Plan 2040.

A Local Place Plan must relate to a specific area, which can be any size—ranging from an entire district or neighbourhood down to a single plot of land. While the plan must include a map of the relevant land and a proposal for its use, the Council stresses there is no "right or wrong way" to develop it. Residents can make it very simple, with a basic word document and a map being sufficient.

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Proposals can focus on improving the quality of life, health, and well-being, or bringing forward ideas for future housing, business, or community spaces. They can also seek to protect valued buildings and green spaces in line with community values.

A good Local Place Plan could include ideas for:

• New buildings and homes.

• Improving local transport and travel.

• Additional spaces for playing, sports, or growing food.

• Proposals to reuse important buildings.

Residents with an idea are encouraged to team up with local bodies such as community councils, charities, trusts, local schools, or youth groups.

To prepare a plan, organisers must reach out to the community to gather views on what changes they want, what they want to protect, and what they feel is missing. This can be done through methods such as surveys, questionnaires, drop-in events, or exhibitions.

The Council's ultimate aim with Local Place Plans and City Plan 2040 is to build attractive places that look after the wellbeing of residents, where people can afford to live, easily access facilities, and enjoy sustainable transport links.