The LDP has been shortlisted as a finalist in the category for Excellence in Plan Making at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2019.

The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are the most established and respected awards in the UK planning industry. Running for over 40 years, they celebrate exceptional examples of planning and the contribution planners make to society.

The LDP is the key planning document guiding development across East Lothian to 2024 and beyond and has involved a huge amount of preparation and extensive public consultation. It was approved by Scottish Ministers in September 2018, after the Report of Examination made only minor recommendations for changes to the work of East Lothian Council’s planning team.

Norman Hampshire, depute council leader and cabinet spokesperson for environment, said: “The LDP is a hugely important piece of work as it provides East Lothian with a sustainable strategy for jobs and homes, making the best use of existing infrastructure whilst allowing for new infrastructure including new schools and improved transport networks. It supports our aim of securing an even more prosperous, safe and sustainable East Lothian, that enables all of our people and communities to flourish.

“I was personally very pleased that Scottish Ministers accepted our draft LDP with only very minor changes as it reflected the extremely high quality of work and careful consultation that was carried out by colleagues. The fact it has been shortlisted for this prestigious national award is just another huge endorsement for our planning team and all colleagues across the council who helped inform the LDP preparation process. It’s a great example of team working and a One Council approach.”

RTPI President Ian Tant MRTPI said: “Many congratulations to all this year’s finalists, who demonstrate outstanding contributions to planning, producing a positive effect on our communities, the economy and the environment. They have shown how planners can use their passion and skills to meet needs, deliver high quality design and tackle environmental challenges – they should all be proud of their role as a force for good in society.”

The winners will be announced during a ceremony held at Milton Court Concert Hall in central London on 24 April 2019.