Shetland Islands Council is reviewing the Local Development Plan, the main document that guides decisions on all planning applications and development for the isles.
A six-week online public consultation on ‘The Local Development Plan - Main Issues Report’ is now open, based around nine main issues - including ‘Digital Connectivity’, ‘Climate Change and Sustainable Development’ and ‘Supporting our Remote and Rural Communities’ – offering a series of options for potential change on each. The outcome of the Main Issues Report consultation will inform the content of the next Local Development Plan.
If you go online you’ll arrive in an interactive digital public hall. All the relevant documents are available by clicking on the various posters, folders and maps displayed throughout the room. There will also be regular ‘attendance’ by planning staff via a live chat function to answer questions and provide further information.
The Report isn’t a ‘draft development plan’, but a starting point for discussion and engagement with local organisations and individuals to contribute their views and comments on the options suggested, and come forward with suggestions for others which may not have been identified.
Alastair Cooper Chairs the Development Committee: “Planning decisions are critical for future development within the islands, so our Local Development Plan has to reflect as much as possible the needs and requirements of local businesses and communities. A key part of that is identifying the areas where development should take place, and where it shouldn’t, so we’re particularly interested in hearing from the community on this.
“With that in mind, I’d encourage everyone to engage with the consultation. It’s attractive and easy to use and is a splendid alternative, given the ongoing pandemic, to attending a meeting in your local hall.”
Notes for editors
Shetland’s first Local Development Plan was adopted in September 2014. The Plan is being developed under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 which requires each Local Authority to compile a Main Issues Report. It is anticipated that a draft Local Development Plan will be published in summer 2022.