Frequently asked questions about the Local Development Plan

East Ayrshire Council adopted Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2) in April 2024 and, together with the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) , it forms the current Development Plan for East Ayrshire.

This means that we use LDP2 and NPF4 to assess planning applications.

The LDP2 sets out a 10 to 20 year vision for East Ayrshire and has a lifespan of five years.

LDP2 was adopted under transitional arrangements approved by the Scottish Government following the introduction of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019.

This means that although the LDP2 is up-to-date, we must immediately begin preparing a ‘new style’ Local Development Plan, which will eventually be the LDP2.

The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 changed the national regulations relating to Local Development Plans. Our LDP3 will be prepared under these new regulations.

This means the LDP3 will be a 10-year plan and will be a place-based document with emphasis on maps, site briefs and masterplans.

There will be minimal policy wording, with a focus on local issues; there should be no duplication of policies already set out in the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4).

We are now using ‘Engagement East Ayrshire’ for all online public engagement. For up-to-date information on our progress please visit Engagement East Ayrshire: LDP3.

There will be opportunities for the public to let us know their views at the relevant stages of the plan preparation process.

You can also sign up for regular email updates about LDP3:

Sign up for LDP3 email updates

Yes. We will be arranging in-person engagement events at the relevant stages of the plan preparation process.

For up-to-date information on any upcoming in-person events please visit Engagement East Ayrshire: LDP3.