Local and statutory development plans

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Local and statutory development plans

Edinburgh & the Lothians Structure Plan 2015

The Edinburgh and the Lothians Structure Plan 2015 sets out the long-term vision for the development of land in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The structure plan provides the broad framework for local plans, which contain more detailed and site specific policies. Local plans are required by law to conform to the structure plan. The structure plan and the local plan together comprise the statutory development plan for West Lothian which is the basis for determining all planning applications. The structure plan therefore provides the foundation for all decisions regarding future development in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The structure plan has been prepared by the City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council, Midlothian Council and West Lothian Council. It was approved by Scottish Ministers on the 17 June 2004.

The Structure Plan can be viewed at www.elsp.gov.uk (new window)

Strategic Development Plan

The Edinburgh and South East Scotland Strategic Development Plan Authority (SESplan), which was designated by Scottish Ministers on 25 June 2008 comprises City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, Fife, Scottish Borders and West Lothian Councils. The key role of SESplan is to prepare and maintain an up to date strategic development plan (SDP) for the area. This process will involve engaging key stakeholders and the wider community. The SDP when completed will replace the existing Edinburgh and Lothians Structure Plan, the Fife Structure Plan (in part) and the Scottish Borders Structure Plan. In addition, the individual councils will have to prepare Local Development Plans (LDP) in order to implement the requirements of the new SDP.

A Development Plan Scheme as been approved and submitted to Scottish Ministers in March 2009. Details of this can be viewed further on in this page.

The website for the SDP is www.sesplan.gov.uk (new window)

Local Development Plan

Under the terms of emerging legislation from the Scottish Government, the council will be required to prepare a local development plan (LDP) for the area. The LDP will set out development patterns at a local level for West Lothian and will implement the terms of the Strategic Development Plan (SDP).

On 24 March 2009, the Council Executive approved a Development Plan Scheme for the LDP which has been submitted to Scottish Ministers. This can be viewed below and is accompanied by a questionniare. The DPS sets out how we intend to proceed with the LDP and also includes a Participation Statement. We would welcome your views on its content.

West Lothian Local Plan

The West Lothian Local Plan was adopted by the council and became operative on 13 January 2009. It provides guidance on the location of development across West Lothian, based on meeting the requirements set by the approved Edinburgh & the Lothians Structure Plan 2015. This is the first district wide local plan for West Lothian. This local plan has replaced the existing previously adopted Area Local Plans covering the Calders, Linlithgow, Livingston, Bathgate and Broxburn.

The adopted local plan is available for inspection free of charge during normal opening hours at all libraries and CIS offices. We also have hard copies of the plan available for purchase at a cost of £35 (including postage and packaging) or £25 if you collect from out offices at County Buildings, High Street, Linlithgow. The adopted West Lothian Local Plan documents are also listed below.

Please note we have recently improved the readability of the maps, but this has resulted in an increase in the file size. We hope this does not cause inconvenience. If you are having difficulty downloading the plans please contact us.