Fife Council Greenlights Report for New Development Plan

Fife Council has made a significant move by becoming the first local authority in Scotland to approve an Evidence Report, marking the initial step in developing a new style Local Development Plan for the Kingdom.

The Evidence Report consolidates all the necessary information and data to gain a better understanding of the current challenges faced by Fife. These challenges span from the impacts of the climate emergency on our communities, to infrastructure limitations and the required number of homes to accommodate housing needs for everyone in Fife.

It is crucial to note that the Evidence Report serves as the foundation for plan preparation; it does not dictate where development should occur, how Fife’s landscape should evolve, or the local policies needed to facilitate such changes. The next phase, the Proposed Plan, will outline these proposals.

Councillor Altany Craik, spokesperson for Finance, Economy, and Strategic Planning, expressed, “By endorsing the Evidence Report, Fife Council is taking a momentous stride in our Local Development Planning. Analysing the existing issues in Fife will enable us to craft a Local Development Plan that caters to the land use requirements of Fife and contributes to shaping a fairer, sustainable future for the Kingdom.”

“This decision emphasises our commitment to fostering vibrant communities in Fife, which will offer opportunities for all our residents,” Councillor Craik further added.

With the approval of the Evidence Report, it will now be submitted to the Scottish Government for review, and a Reporter from the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division will evaluate whether the report contains adequate information for Fife to proceed with drafting its new Local Development Plan.

The anticipated timeline for the new Local Development Plan to come into effect is autumn 2027, and there will be ample opportunities for communities to voice their opinions on the plan as it takes shape.

Stay tuned to Fife Council’s Planning Services webpage for updates in the upcoming months, providing further details on how you can engage with the new plan and play a part in shaping the future of Fife.