Local Development Plan 3
Work is underway on the Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3) which is expected to replace Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2) in 2029.
This will sit alongside the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF) and will provide the local planning framework for Argyll and Bute, excluding the area covered by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. This will include a spatial strategy setting out development opportunities and constraints within the area. It will supplement NPF4 policy (where required) to provide the policy context against which planning applications will be assessed.
Development Plan Scheme
The Development Plan Scheme sets out the Council’s programme for preparing the replacement Local Development Plan (LDP3).
Local Development Plan 3 Scheme March 2026
Public engagement
Evidence Report
We are currently working on the Evidence Report stage which must contain sufficient information to enable us to prepare LDP3.
The purpose of the Evidence Report is to support the quality and effectiveness of the LDP. The aim is to front-load the work and use the evidence to clearly inform what to plan for, before the Proposed Plan looks at where development should take place. The Evidence Report is not expected to contain all the detail of evidence, but should provide a summary of what the evidence means for the plan.
The Evidence Report will be subject to independent assessment at the ‘Gate Check’.
The basis of the Evidence Report will be 18 Topic Papers, on which we invite you to share your views on the accuracy and sufficiency of evidence: Evidence Report Topic Paper Engagement
Separately, to inform the Design, Quality and Place Topic paper, we are carrying out Place Standard Tool Engagement to find out what works well within a place. It comprises questions on physical, social, cultural and economic aspects of a place.
Finally, we are carrying out a Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) to assess the quantity, quality and accessibility of play spaces for all children. This will inform the Play Space Topic Paper.
Helensburgh Strategic Development Framework (HSDF)
With its proximity and connectivity to the central belt, the wider Helensburgh area was identified as a key growth area in LDP2. Work is now underway to develop the Helensburgh Strategic Development Framework (HSDF) Helensburgh Strategic Development Framework which will guide sustainable development over the next 20 to 40 years and directly inform the LDP3 spatial strategy.
Oban Strategic Development Framework (OSDF)
Work is now underway to develop the Oban Strategic Development Framework (OSDF) which will guide sustainable development over the next 20 to 40 years and directly inform the LDP3 spatial strategy Oban Strategic Development Framework.
Get in touch / Stay in touch
Get in touch:
For more information regarding Local Development Plan 3 please get in touch with us either by telephone: 01546 604158 or by email:ldp@argyll-bute.gov.uk
If you wish to speak to one of our Development Policy planning officers then we would ask that you call or email with some details regarding your query so that we can arrange an appointment with the appropriate officer.
Stay in Touch:
If you wish to be added to the Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3) mailing list please complete the form here
You can also follow us on Twitter: @ABC_Planning
