The next Local Development Plan (LDP) 2021, once agreed, will shape our area for the next number of years and determine where new development will take place, whether it is new homes, offices, retail or leisure facilities. Aberdeenshire Council Planning Policy Team have been working hard to prepare a Main Issues Report (MIR) to support the preparation of the new LDP, carrying out consultation with local councillors and key stakeholders. It is now YOUR turn to have a say on the suggested policy changes and the planners’ preferred sites from over forty bids lodged by developers for land in Westhill, Elrick, Kirkton of Skene, Lyne of Skene, Garlogie, Echt, Dunecht, Midmar, Sauchen and Cullerlie. The consultation can be accessed here.

Responses must be made in writing by Monday 8th April. Response forms are online, in libraries and in the Area Office at Gordon House, Inverurie.
You may think that any future development in the local area must be backed up by appropriate infrastructure first; or it may be your view that there should be no further major development locally at all; or indeed you may welcome lots of new opportunities for development! One aspect residents should be aware of is the proposals being submitted to Aberdeen City Council as part of their Local Development Plan – some of which will affect Westhill and the surrounding rural areas. Although your elected representatives have no say in Aberdeen City planning matters, you can make representations to the Aberdeen City MIR too. My next post will take you to the Aberdeen City maps and bids.

Don’t forget, there is a drop in session on Thursday 21st February from 1230-1900 hrs at Holiday Inn, Westhill where you can meet the planners and discuss any aspect of the Main Issues Report.