Get involved in shaping the Local Development Plan

Orkney Islands Council is encouraging local folk and community groups to keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities to get involved in shaping the Local Development Plan for Orkney.

A Local Development Plan 2024 Newsletter has been published online, which outlines the processes, indicative timetable and how and when people can get involved.

The Council is encouraging people to take part in this process and suggest ideas on how the Council could provide further consultation opportunities and maximise participation in the process.

Derek Manson, is Team Manager of the Council’s Development Plan Team. He said: “It is crucial that the public engage with the drafting of the new Local Development Plan and help shape our towns, villages and countryside.

“The new Local Development Plan will include where development should and shouldn’t happen. The processes for the drafting of a new Local Development Plan are set out in national legislation – it is anticipated that it will be take up to four years to complete.

“The Local Development Plan 2024 Newsletter also describes how community groups might go about preparing a Local Place Plan, since Scottish Government announced the initiative designed to encourage communities to play an active role in the planning for their area.” 

To find out more about Local Place Plans please visit Review of Local Development Plan (orkney.gov.uk)  and we have also developed some frequently asked questions at Local Place Plans (orkney.gov.uk) . 

To view the latest Local Development Plan 2024 Newsletter please visit: Review of Local Development Plan (orkney.gov.uk). Paper copies are available at Customer Services, OIC Offices, Kirkwall, Kirkwall Library and the Stromness Warehouse Buildings.

If you would like to be involved in the Local Development Plan and be notified of key consultations and events, have a comment to make on the Development Plan Scheme Newsletter 2024 or have further questions on Local Place Plan: please email devplan@orkney.gov.uk and include your main contact email address.