In light of social distancing measures, changes introduced though the coronavirus emergency legislation and guidance from the council’s chief planner, Aberdeenshire Council has considered it appropriate to publish a revised Development Plan Scheme for 2020 with a new participation statement outlining the engagement to be undertaken associated with the Proposed LDP 2020.

The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020, includes a provision to allow planning authorities to undertake public consultation without the need to make physical copies of documents available for inspection, for example in libraries or planning offices.

Members of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC) will be asked to approve the new consultation approach when they meet on May 14.

In place of nine drop-in events, the council is now proposing to engage with stakeholders, including community councils, by way of electronic means such as virtual drop-ins and Q&A sessions.

Additional e-newsletter updates will be published in the lead up to and during the consultation period, with social media platforms being used to widely publicise the Proposed LDP and promote the production of three short films on the plan-making process.

The Proposed LDP consultation is now scheduled to commence on May 25, closing on July 17.

Stephen Archier, director of Infrastructure Services, said: “Changes brought about by the current circumstances present an opportunity for Aberdeenshire Council to embrace engagement through alternative means than purely relying on face-to-face interaction.

“Innovative ways of communicating with and meeting customers and stakeholders ‘virtually’ will be adopted where possible which will provide an opportunity to also learn for future engagement and consultation undertaken by the council.”

Councillors will be advised that while it is recognised that the lack of engagement through the provision of physical documents and face to face communication throughout the consultation period will not suit everyone, it is hoped that this pragmatic approach will reach as wide an audience as possible in the circumstances.

In keeping with the initial Development Plan Scheme, Aberdeenshire Council will notify all neighbouring properties to proposed development sites and views will be sought on the proposals.

Similarly, all those who made comments on the Main Issues Report will be contacted and invited to examine the outcomes of the council’s deliberations on the issues identified during the Main Issues Report stage.

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.