We are currently working on the third Stirling Local Development Plan (LDP3). We expect to adopt this in 2028.
How we are developing the new Local Development Plan
Our Development Plan Scheme was updated in September 2024. This explains:
- how we will review the current Stirling Local Development Plan
- how we will prepare the next Stirling Local Development Plan
- how and when key milestones in the process will be completed
- when, how and with whom engagement will take place
The Development Plan Scheme is due to be updated in September 2025.
Timeline
In line with the adopted development plan scheme:
- We carried out early consultation and engagement to inform the preparation of an evidence report between August 2023 and October 2024.
- Our Evidence Report was approved by Stirling Council on 20 March 2025 and then submitted to Scottish Ministers.
- On 17 Jun 2025, Scottish Ministers' found the Evidence Report sufficient to enable the Planning Authority to proceed to prepare the Local Development Plan (LDP3).
- To inform the preparation of the proposed Local Development Plan, a ‘Call for Sites and Ideas’ consultation has now opened for a period of 12 weeks. The closing date for this consultation is aligned with the deadline for communities to submit Local Place Plans – 31 October 2025.
- The ‘Strategy and Site Options’ consultation is expected to commence from February to May 2026 (12 weeks). This will be supported by in-person community engagement events.
- We will prepare and publish a proposed plan for consultation in 2026/27
- We plan to adopt and publish to new local development plan in 2028
Evidence Report
Stirling Council’s Evidence Report was found to be sufficient by Scottish Ministers in June 2025. The reference number for Stirling’s submission on the DPEA website is GATE-390-1.
The documents that make up the Evidence Report are listed below.
All maps and spatial data used in the Evidence Report are available for viewing on the Council’s Planning Data Hub.
Evidence Report consultation activities and feedback
A key part of the Evidence Report process was to gather information from early consultation and engagement, and use the information gathered to establish what to plan for before the proposed Local Development Plan identifies the specific locations where new development should take place. Details of the consultation activities and feedback received can be found through the link below. Additional information can be found in the individual Topic Papers (1-16) and the Evidence Report Participation Statement referenced above.
Proposed Plan Preparation – Call for Sites and Ideas
We have now moved onto the next stage of the LDP3 process - the preparation of the Proposed Plan. This stage has started with the ‘Call for Sites and Ideas’ consultation, which is now open for submissions through Engage Stirling.
This consultation provides stakeholders, including the public and all community organisations, with an opportunity to propose sites for potential inclusion in the Proposed Plan and share ideas to help shape its Spatial Strategy and associated policies.
To take part in the Call for Sites and Ideas consultation, visit the Engage Stirling website, fill in the questionnaire and provide any relevant supporting information. If you have any queries about the consultation, please email LDP@stirling.gov.uk
To engage with stakeholders and provide information about the consultation process, we held two online information sessions with community organisations and site promoters in July and August 2025.
- The session for site promoters, land owners, developers etc. was held on 31 July 2025.
- The session for community organisations is to be held on 19 August 2025.
If you are a community organisation who is interested in attending the information session, please email LDP@stirling.gov.uk.
We have also produced two information notes in August 2025 about Stirling’s Next LDP:
In addition to the consultation, the Planning Authority also plans to review the submission "Planning Guidance - Developer Contributions" in 2025 to support the delivery of the current Local Development Plan and inform the preparation of the next one.
Place Profiles
We have also prepared Place Profiles as a resource for communities. The Place Profiles will support the preparation of the new LDP, used to demonstrate a "place based approach" to Development Planning, and help community members to understand how Development Planning influences their area. Community members are welcome to provide feedback and suggestions for Place Profiles. Further details are available on the following webpage:
Consultation documents
The documents were submitted as part of the previous local development plan consultation and are provided for information only.