Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Fife Council submits report for new development plan.
Fife Council has made history by becoming the first local authority in Scotland to submit an Evidence Report to Gate Check, marking the initial step in crafting a fresh style Local Development Plan for the Kingdom.
The comprehensive Evidence Report compiles all the essential information and data to gain a deeper insight into the challenges faced by Fife today. These challenges encompass everything from the repercussions of the climate emergency to constraints in infrastructure capacity, as well as the necessary number of homes that must be constructed in Fife to cater to the housing requirements of all individuals.
It is vital to note that the Evidence Report acts as the foundation of the plan preparation process. It does not dictate where development should or should not take place, how Fife’s locations should evolve, or the local policies required to steer that evolution. The subsequent phase, known as the Proposed Plan, will outline these proposals.
Councillor Altany Craik, spokesperson for Finance, Economy, and Strategic Planning, expressed, “By submitting the Evidence Report, Fife Council is taking a significant stride forward in our Local Development Planning. Analysing the current issues in Fife will enable us to devise a Local Development Plan that caters to the land use needs of Fife and contributes to constructing a fairer, future Fife.
“This move underscores our commitment to ensure that Fife flourishes with vibrant communities, providing opportunities for all our residents.
“We eagerly await the Scottish Government’s feedback on our Evidence Report, and we are ready to commence the preparation of our new Local Development Plan in the forthcoming years, during which there will be ample opportunities for community involvement.”
Upon the confirmation of the Evidence Report, it will be forwarded to the Scottish Government for evaluation. A Reporter from the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division will then assess whether the Evidence Report contains adequate information for Fife to draft its new Local Development Plan.
The timeline for the deployment of the new Local Development Plan is set for autumn 2027, with additional chances for communities to voice their opinions on the new plan as it unfolds.
