North Ayrshire Council’s Planning Service has published a Draft Policy Guidance note for new housing in the countryside and is now seeking the views of local people before rubberstamping the final document.

The Local Development Plan sets out the limited circumstances in which the council will support the development of new houses outwith identified towns and villages, for example where it is proposed to convert or replace an existing building.

The purpose of the Policy Guidance Note is to provide further detail to developers, applicants and communities on the relevant Local Development Plan policies and matters that should be considered when the development of one or more houses in the countryside is proposed.

The Policy Guidance Note is aligned to national and local planning context and defines the key design principles that will apply.

The importance of applicants and developers engaging with planning officers in pre-application discussions is emphasised throughout the new guidance note

Russell McCutcheon, executive director of place at North Ayrshire Council, said: “This document provides guidance to developers and applicants on matters that should be considered when approaching an application for the development of one or more houses in the countryside.

“It is important that is consistent and provides a framework for us as we move forward. We are looking for feedback which will inform our final document which we will be publishing later this year.”

Comments on the guidance should be submitted by May 21. Comments can be submitted by email to ldp@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or by completing this survey.