A 12-week consultation on Scottish Borders Council’s proposed Local Development Plan (LDP) opens tomorrow (December 6).
Members of the public have until Monday, March 3, 2014, to make their views known on the LDP, which will replace the existing Local Plan, and sets out a range of proposals for the Borders, including a variety of land uses as well as policies to influence decision-making on applications.
The LDP is required as part of the new planning process introduced by the Scottish Government, which means councils must notify neighbours of any development proposals within the plan.
While the vast majority of neighbour notifications are connected to sites already in the existing Local Plan, the remainder relate to new site proposals.
Neighbour notification letters have been sent out by SBC clarifying which category a proposal falls into.
Councillor Ron Smith, Executive Member for Planning and Development, said: “Members of the public have already been able to find out more information on the LDP at each of the council’s five area forums.
“Now there is a chance for Borderers to make their views known on this important document, which sets out the council’s policies on development and land use and will influence decisions on planning applications.”
Anyone looking to view the LDP or make representations can do so online at http://oldp.scotborders.gov.uk/public or at council contact centres and libraries, from tomorrow.
Alternatively, email localplan@scotborders.gov.uk or write to Plans and Research Team, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells, Scottish Borders, TD6 0SA.
A guidance note is also available at www.scotborders.gov.uk/ldp to assist with submitting comments on the LDP.