Strengthening Engagement in Local Development Planning
Planning Authority: Stirling
Stirling is preparing its new Local Development Plan (LDP3) with a strong evidence base informed by stakeholder engagement. Alongside this, communities are shaping Local Place Plans (LPPs) to influence future development, supported by digital tools like Place Profiles and the Engage Stirling platform.
Glasgow's Role in the Success of the Place Standard Tool
Planning Authority: Glasgow
Glasgow City Council played a key role in developing the Place Standard Tool, building on its experience as a Scottish Test Site for the Equally Well Initiative. By integrating public health, spatial planning, and innovative community engagement, the city helped shape national policy and best practices in place-based decision-making.
Producing and Delivering the Hagshaw Energy Cluster Development Framework
Planning Authority: East Ayrshire
The Hagshaw wind cluster pilot was established in response to the Scottish Government’s call for greater collaboration in onshore wind planning. Bringing together planning authorities, renewables operators, and local communities, the project explores how strategic, joined-up planning can support sustainable energy development while delivering benefits for former mining communities in South Lanarkshire and East Ayrshire.
Extension to MacDuff Aquarium
Planning Authority: Aberdeenshire
The Macduff Aquarium expansion is a transformative project enhancing one of Aberdeenshire’s key tourism attractions. Funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the development includes a new café, modernised exhibits, and improved visitor facilities. With support from Visit Aberdeenshire and Visit Scotland, the project aims to boost tourism, encourage year-round visits, and strengthen the local economy while enhancing connections to coastal paths and outdoor recreation.
Children and Young People Engagement
Planning Authority: East Lothian
In response to the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, the East Lothian Planning Authority has taken significant steps to promote and facilitate the participation of children and young people in shaping the Local Development Plan. Through school-based workshops, youth parliament discussions, online consultations, and community events, young people across East Lothian have had the opportunity to share their views on the future of their local areas.
Local Development Plan Early Engagement
Planning Authority: Renfrewshire
A range of engagement activities have gathered community input to inform the local development plan and local place plans. Surveys, workshops, and information sessions have provided valuable insights from residents, young people, and community organisations, ensuring plans reflect local needs and aspirations.
Conservation and Adaptation
Planning Authority: Edinburgh
An online consultation, approved by the Planning Committee in November 2022, gathered views on the challenges residents of listed buildings and conservation areas face in adapting their homes to the climate emergency and cost-of-living crisis.
Planning Application Timeline Tool
Planning Authority: Fife
Fife Council developed a Planning Application Timeline Tool to improve communication and transparency for customers. Built using Power BI, the tool allows applicants to track where their application sits in the process and what steps remain, therefore reducing the need for direct enquiries and improving the overall customer experience.
Recruiting, Developing and Retaining Staff
Planning Authority: North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire is taking long term action to build a resilient planning workforce. In response to national workforce challenges, the council is supporting staff through training, career progression and knowledge sharing, ensuring future capacity and continuity within the planning service.
Craig McLaren
National Planning Improvement Champion
Susan Rintoul
Improvement Lead
Contact the National Planning Improvement team on NPI@improvementservice.org.uk.