Public thanked for response to proposed Local Development Plan

Nov 6 2012 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser

People and organisations who spoke out on Perthshire’s proposed Local Development Plan came in for praised yesterday.

Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure convener John Kellas said all representations received by the local authority had been helpful and constructive.

Earlier this year, PKC approved the proposed Perth and Kinross LDP, which sets out its view on future development across the area.

The plan also identifies a land-use framework for housing development, employment land, transport infrastructure and areas of environmental importance that will be protected.

Major public consultations were staged on the blueprint two years ago, with a further three-month period for representations following this year to raise awareness of the council’s strategy.

Events included holding 13 public information events attended by over 1300 members of the public, a press campaign, e-mail bulletins and training sessions for community councils. A report to tomorrow’s enterprise and infrastructure committee will outline actions taken by PKC.

Councillor Kellas said yesterday: “The report makes clear that the council went well beyond what was required of us during the period for representation on the proposed LDP.

“We wanted to ensure that statutory consultees, key agencies and the public could respond to the content. We were very keen that everyone with an interest in the LDP was given a chance to make a representation, and I think we more than achieved that.

“I wish to thank everyone who took part in the process and engaged with council officers. The participation of a large number of organisations and members of the public made the process very worthwhile.”

A final report will go to the full council early next year to allow councillors the opportunity to consider the impact of representations received on the submission to ministers.