Decision Maker: Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee

Outcome: Approve

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 25, 2025

Purpose: The report sets out and seeks consideration of the Evidence Report prior to the submission of said report for Gatecheck by the Scottish Government Division for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA). The Evidence Report is a collection of all the information that must be considered before the Council can embark on the preparation of the Proposed Local Development Plan. The purpose of the evidence collected is to inform the plan making process, and to provide a baseline from which planning authorities can assess where development should take place in their areas.

Content:   The Committee agreed to provide the following comments on the Evidence Report:   1.    importance of Master planning and the ability of fully deliver sites 2.    take cognisance of transport and active travel in rural communities 3.    biodiversity and balance of species 4.    Communities to be encouraged to undertake local place plans and support provided to do this. 5.    Demographic changes and impact on future population health 6.    Topic 3 – soil and land protection, clarity and additional information may be useful in terms of site allocations. 7.    Generation renewables - clarity around what is this means may be useful. 8.      Page 199 at 9.2 - the Scottish Government is no longer aiming at a 75% reduction in emissions from 1990 baseline by 2030, statement to be updated. 9.      Page 260 at 11.94 TaxiCard scheme no longer in operation. 10.  Page 257 at 11.80 Rail Station Park and Ride - Surprised that more parking to enable more people to Park and Ride by rail is not noted as an issue in Stonehaven 11. Page 263 Integrated Travel Towns roll out - what are the land use/LDP implications of the roll out. 12. Page 439 Indoor Tennis provision - Stonehaven Recreation Grounds and Stonehaven Tennis Site are currently completing the necessary groundworks and preparation for an Air Dome to enable indoor tennis during the late autumn and winter months. 13.  Page 463 at 20.54 mentions the Climate Change Adaptation Plan – this was approved by the Sustainability Committee on 19th February 2025. 14.  Page 475 at 21.30 - Stonehaven has a betting shop – Betfred at 5 Market Square. 15.  Page 519 at 24.12 – following the recent BP announcement on investment in renewables –do the predictions in this section about share of business outside of oil and gas accurate. 16.  Appendix may be useful which has a list of all hyperlinks and links included.