Communities across Argyll and Bute are being asked to help shape the long‑term future of the places where they live, work and play.
Argyll and Bute Council is preparing its next Local Development Plan (LDP3) – a key document that provides the planning framework for the area. Once approved, the plan will guide how our towns, villages and rural areas should grow and change over a ten-year period. The Local Development Plan influences everything from housing and transport to recreation, economic investment, and the protection of the natural environment.
To make sure the new plan reflects local priorities, the Council is asking people to share their views on two key areas that affect everyday life and provide feedback on a range of evidence that has been collated and presented in a series of topic papers. The feedback gathered through these engagements will inform the Evidence Report – the first major stage in developing LDP3.
Play Sufficiency Assessment
We want to understand the outdoor play opportunities children and young people currently have in your area. This includes everything from local playparks to informal places where children enjoy playing.
Your feedback will help us identify any gaps in provision, guide future developments, and assist with potential investment and funding bids. We are especially keen to hear from parents, carers, families, and young people.
Tell us about outdoor play in your area on our website.
Place Standard Tool
We’re also inviting communities to use the Place Standard Tool – a simple and engaging online questionnaire that asks what works well now and what could be improved in the future where you live and work.
It covers a wide range of themes that shape daily life, including:
- Housing
- Facilities and services
- Moving around
- Public transport
- Opportunities to work and socialise
- Natural spaces
By taking part, you’ll help identify local strengths and priorities for improvement, guiding how Argyll and Bute grows in a way that supports thriving, sustainable communities.
Share your views by completing our online questionnaire
Topic Papers
Topic papers covering Transport, Historic Assets and Places, Vacant and Derelict Land, Town Centres and Retail and Aquaculture and Coastal Development set out the evidence that the Council has gathered to inform the Local Development Plan 3. Your feedback on the accuracy and sufficiency of the evidence will help to produce the final Evidence Report that will in turn be used in the development of Local Development Plan 3.
You can see the topic papers and share your views on our website.
Councillor Gordon Blair, Policy Lead for Planning and Regulatory Services:
“This is your chance to influence the future of your community. The Local Development Plan affects many aspects of daily life – where homes are built, how people travel, the services we rely on, and the spaces our children play in.
We want to make sure the new plan reflects the ambitions and needs of the people who live and work here. I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to share their views. Your input will help shape Argyll and Bute for generations to come.”
For more information about the Local Development Plan 3 process visit our website. All online questionnaires are open until 13 April 2026.
