Residents, community organisations and other stakeholders are being urged to share their views in the latest phase of Stirling's new Local Development Plan (LDP) consultation before the deadline. This round focuses on the overall spatial strategy for the area and the specific site options being considered for inclusion in the next plan.

The spatial strategy will set out where and how development, growth and land-use change should take place across the Stirling Council area (excluding Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park), helping to direct investment and new housing to the most suitable locations.

The site options currently under consideration have two sources: sites promoted by landowners and developers during the Call for Sites (August to October 2025), and existing allocations in the current Stirling LDP that have not yet commenced and therefore require reassessment for potential inclusion in the forthcoming plan.

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Susan McGill said: "My thanks to everyone who has taken part in this important consultation on the new Local Development Plan. If you haven't done so, now is the time to participate in the surveys with the deadline fast approaching.

"It's crucial you have your say about the new Local Development Plan as it will guide how your community and the wider Stirling area looks in the future – it will impact everyone who lives, works and visits here. This part of the consultation on site options includes an opportunity to share views on where things like new housing and other major developments should happen.

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"Don't miss your chance to highlight the needs and ambitions of your community – take part in surveys before the deadline of 23 July."

Full details and links to the surveys are available on the Engage Stirling website: engage.stirling.gov.uk/en-GB/folders/local-development-plan

After this consultation stage, the Council will begin Stage 1 of the site assessment process, using an approved methodology to identify locations suitable for inclusion in the Proposed Plan and to exclude sites deemed inappropriate.

Sites with potential will move to more detailed appraisals at Stages 2 and 3, including checks against the emerging Proposed Plan and assessments of impacts on key infrastructure.

Preferred sites will then be identified for the Proposed Plan, which is expected to go out to public consultation in early 2027, subject to approval by elected members.

Once finalised and approved, the next LDP will set out where development should and should not occur across Stirling, identify important places and assets that require protection, and include local planning policies to guide future planning applications.

A local development plan is the statutory planning document that sets policies and proposals for development and the use of land, ensuring it is managed in the public interest over the long term.

It helps the Council steer development to the right locations, protects the built and natural environment, and sets out how new or improved community facilities – such as roads, schools and parks – will be provided.

All Scottish local authorities must have an LDP; Stirling adopted its current plan in October 2018. The new LDP will apply to the Stirling Council area, excluding the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Planning Authority area. The Council intends to adopt the new LDP in December 2027.

To take part in the surveys, visit: engage.stirling.gov.uk/en-GB/folders/local-development-plan

More information on preparing the next LDP is available at: www.stirling.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning/development-planning/developing-our-next-stirling-local-development-plan/