What is a Development Plan Scheme (DPS)?

A Development Plan Scheme (DPS) sets out the timetable for preparing and reviewing a Local Development Plan (LDP) and sets out what is likely to be involved at each stage. The Development Plan Scheme must also contain a Participation Statement which sets out how people can get involved in the plan preparation process.

What is a Local Development Plan?

Local Development Plan(s) set out how places will change into the future, including the long-term vision for where development should and shouldn't happen. Development plans show where new homes and workplaces will be built, how services and facilities such as schools and travel links will be provided, and identify the places and buildings we value and want to protect.

The planning system in Scotland is ‘plan-led’, meaning that decisions are made in accordance with the ‘Development Plan’ unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

On 8 April 2024, East Ayrshire Council adopted the East Ayrshire Local Development Plan 2 (2024). This replaced the East Ayrshire Local Development Plan (2017) and the Minerals Local Development Plan (2020).

Work has commenced on the next Local Development Plan – LDP3.

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Legislative background and requirement for producing a 'Development Plan Scheme (DPS)'

Section 20B of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) requires that each planning authority prepare a DPS on at least an annual basis, setting out the authority’s programme for preparing and reviewing their LDP and outlining what is likely to be involved at each stage of the plan preparation process.

As required, a DPS has been produced annually for East Ayrshire, the last one being approved by Cabinet on 1 May 2024.

What is a Development Plan Scheme?

The Development Plan Scheme 2025 provides an update on progress with LDP2 and it’s associated Supplementary Guidance and Non-Statutory Guidance, but focuses primarily on the preparation of Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3). It can be downloaded from the documents section of this page. It sets out information related to:

• Anticipated and Statutory milestones;
• Requirement for an Evidence Report;
• The Gate Check process;
• Local Place Plans;
• Proposed Plan;
• Examination and Adoption ;
• Engagement on LDP3; and
• Consultation on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

🔊 We want your views on the Participation Statement as set out within the Development Plan Scheme (2025) 📝✍️

The Participation Statement as set out within the Development Plan Scheme (pages 12 - 14 https://engagementea.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/41589/widgets/123736/documents/83951) is open for public comment for a 3 week consultation period running from Friday 9^th May 2025 - Friday 30^th May 2025.

The participation statement focusses on how and with who the Council will engage throughout the plan-making process. We would welcome any ideas you may have on this!

You can share your thoughts with us using our Development Plan Scheme (2025) survey available on this web page. Alternatively you can email us at localdevelopmentplans@east-ayrshire.gov.uk