1.1 Context

The Need For and Role of the Local Plan

1.1.1 The basis for making planning decisions in any area in Scotland is provided by the Development Plan documents.

1.1.2 The statutory development plan for any area consists of a structure plan and a local plan

1.1.3 The approved Structure Plan for this area is the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan 2000, approved with modifications by the Scottish Ministers in May 2002. This Plan covers East Dunbartonshire and the other seven Councils that make up the Structure Plan Joint Committee. It provides the basis for co-ordinating strategic decisions on land use, the environment and transport, and identifies the overall supply of land to meet the requirements for development. All local plans are required to conform with the approved Structure Plan.

1.1.4 There are were previously two area local plans covering East Dunbartonshire: the Bearsden and Milngavie District Local Plan which was adopted in 1996; and the East Dunbartonshire (Strathkelvin Area) Local Plan which was adopted in 2000. These plans have been superseded by this authority wide local plan.

1.1.5 The Forth and Clyde Canal Subject Local Plan also contains planning policies relevant to the area of the Canal as it passes through East Dunbartonshire. This Subject Local Plan will remain in place.

1.1.6 This Local Plan covers the whole of East Dunbartonshire and sets out the detailed policies and proposals for development and the use of land in the Council area.

1.1.7 Local plans are designed to:-

• set out detailed policies and specific proposals for the development and use of land in order to guide decisions on planning applications and investment.

• highlight development opportunities and promote economic development.

• maintain and enhance the quality of the historic and natural environment.

1.1.8 Decisions on planning applications must be made in line with the current development plan unless very good reasons (material considerations) are put forward why they should not.

1.1.9 In accordance with good practice and advice as contained in Planning Advice Note (PAN) 49, the Council undertakes to review or appraise the local plan at least every two years. The Council will also prepare an Action Plan to show how and when the Plan’s proposals will be implemented

1.1.10 A Local Planning Charter was published by the Council. It outlined the processes involved in preparing the Local Plan and how interested parties could participate in the process and influence the outcome. The Council was keen to involve local residents, interested groups and businesses in the preparation of the Plan in order to produce a Plan which reflects the aspirations of the local community. The Council considered all representations and objections which it received during the preparation of the Plan.

Plan Timescales

1.1.11 It takes a considerable period of time to thoroughly consider all of the issues involved in the preparation of a local plan.

1.1.12 Firstly an Issues Report was produced which was open to widespread community consultation. Having considered responses to the Issues Report, the Council prepared a Finalised Draft Plan which was open to formal consultation and objection. After considering various comments made the Council published some modifications to the Plan. As there remained some outstanding objections, a Public Local Inquiry was convened in the Spring of 2003 which was conducted by two independent Reporters who produced their findings with recommendations to the Council. Having considered the recommendations the Council made some further modifications and updates to the Plan, which were also publicised. After considering some further representations the Council agreed to adopt the Plan.

1.1.13 As the Plan is intended to be valid for five years from adoption, this Plan is in effect looking ahead to at least year 2010.

1.1.14 The site specific proposals look five years ahead only, as this is considered to be the appropriate timescale for giving firm guidance on land use and for assessing the various commitments. The policies in the plan however are not all specific to a particular period of time, but reflect good planning practice which will be valid for however long the Plan is in force.