Local development plan

Local development plan - proposed

We have approved our Proposed Local Development Plan (LDP), which sets out land use proposals and planning policies intended to guide development and inform planning decisions within the Scottish Borders. The Proposed LDP comprises the policies in Volume one and settlement profiles in Volume two.

The representation period in relation to the Proposed Local Development Plan closed on 25 January 2021. Following the public consultation, Council agreed to take all representations forward to formal Examination. The Plan was submitted for Examination on 14 July 2022 and reviewed all unresolved representations made on the Scottish Borders Proposed LDP.

The representations received to the Proposed Local Development Plan consultation have been published. It should be noted that these have been redacted to remove some personal details and/or sensitive information.

The Examination started formally on 26 September 2022. During the period of the Examination, the Reporter issued 23 further information requests and held a one day hearing on the issue of housing. The Report of Examination was published by the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) on 5 July 2023 and recommended modifications to the Proposed plan; the Report of Examination and summary table are available to view, see below.

A report, which presented the modifications arising from the Report of Examination, was agreed at Council on 28 September 2023. Therefore, the Council agreed to take forward the Plan, as modified, to formal adoption. Some background documents were also updated and can be viewed from the links below.

The Proposed LDP, as modified following Examination, was submitted to Scottish Ministers on 13th December 2023. Scottish Borders Council received a Direction letter on the 5th March 2024, followed by an updated Direction letter on the 20th March 2024, requiring the Council to make some minor changes to the Plan in order to:

  • Ensure the LDP takes account of the adoption of National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and that this replaces National Planning Framework 3 and Scottish Planning Policy.
  • Ensure the LDP takes account of the strategic development plan (SESplan (2013) no longer being part of the development plan.

Scottish Borders Council may not adopt the Local Development Plan 2 unless Scottish Ministers are satisfied that all the modifications necessary to conform with the Direction have been made, or the Scottish Ministers withdraw it.

Introductory video  

Below is a short introductory video relating to the LDP which sets out the background, process and provides further details of the representation period (which has now closed).

Story map

A more detailed story map provides an overview of the LDP and it includes access to an interactive map which allows the allocated sites within the LDP to be viewed spatially. Alternatively you can go directly to the interactive map. 

Please note to view the story map this requires an up to date browser. If you get an error message please update to the latest versions:

Netherbarns/Abbotsford House

Due to many queries received and misunderstandings regarding the Netherbarns proposal, a summary map showing its relationship to Abbotsford House is available to view.

Privacy Notice

If you would like to see how we use or process any data you submit, you can download our Privacy Notice.

Strategic Environmental Assessment

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been prepared which identifies and evaluates any likely significant effects on the environment and any necessary mitigation measures.

More information

If you have any questions relating to the Proposed LDP please phone the Forward Planning Team on 01835 825010.

Development Plan Scheme

Planning Policy and GIS

Previously known as Forward Planning

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA

Telephone: 01835 825010