Aberdeenshire Council has launched a public consultation on its draft Development Plan Scheme 2025-26, which outlines the anticipated programme for the production of the Local Development Plan.

The scheme sets out how the public can get involved in the planning process, including through a "Call for Ideas" which will gather input from communities and stakeholders on the content of the plan.

"The Development Plan Scheme 2025 reaffirms our commitment to using the national standards for community engagement," said Cllr Alan Turner, chair of Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee. "The scheme aims to be open and honest in relation to engagement and consultation on the forthcoming Local Development Plan and provides interested parties with clear opportunities to be involved and have their voice heard with the clear message that this is your Local Development Plan and we need to know what you want it to deliver."


The consultation period for the draft Development Plan Scheme is open until Monday, March 24th, 2025.

The "Call for Ideas" will be divided into two parts: a "Call for Bids" to identify potential development sites from developers and landowners, and a "Call for Community Ideas" to gather input from local residents and stakeholders.

"Throughout the year, council officers will be undertaking engagement with all interested parties and seeking to assist both submissions for development bids and our local communities to get involved in helping to shape the next Local Development Plan," said Cllr Isobel Davidson, vice-chair of the Infrastructure Services Committee.

The public can view the draft Development Plan Scheme and participate in the consultation through the Engage Aberdeenshire LDP consultation hub: engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/development-plan-scheme-2025