LDP Evidence Report Brownfield, Vacant , and Derelict Land and Buildings

This survey has now closed, 

The finalised Topic paper and  the results of the consultation can be seen under the Topic Paper banner.

This survey has been prepared to assist with the formulation of the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan Evidence Report.

This questionnaire focuses on questions associated with the Brownfield, Vacant, and Derelict Land Topic Paper.

Brownfield land is a significant resource in sustainability efforts and the reduction of need for development. The Scottish Government promotes the importance of brownfield land through National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). It aims to encourage and promote the redevelopment of brownfield land over greenfield land through policies 17 (ii) and 29 (iv).

Local Development Plans are required to consider the principal physical and environmental characteristics of an area in relation to its brownfield land.

This topic paper presents an analysis of the evidence surrounding identified brownfield, vacant, and derelict land within Aberdeenshire. It identifies what information has been collected and assessed, as well as data gaps, and the relevance of that information to the Local Development Plan. It concludes that efforts to redevelop sites should be carefully considered and, due to the difficulties and costs associated with developing such land, recommends action only if there is a clear, cost-effective strategy in place. Despite the appeal of restoring Brownfield land, the lack of detailed information available on developable brownfield and derelict sites suggests that they should not be allocated as a major part of the planning strategy. Redevelopment should be supported as beneficial windfalls when, and if, a feasible pathway is established.

It is likely that this paper will be of particular interest to communities who may have brownfield or derelict that they think should be developed, and developers and landowners who may wish to consider development.

If there are matters that you do not agree with, then these are termed as "disputes". While most disputes made will be resolvable by modification of the topic paper, some will persist. If you make a dispute to this paper, and we cannot agree a solution then the dispute will be referred to a Reporter in the Scottish Government Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals in the Spring of 2025.

Please think carefully about registering a dispute, as you may be asked to provide more information to support your position at the Gatecheck Examination.

It will require you to be a registered user and may ask for some personal details to assist us with understanding the points that you are making. Please see our Privacy Statement for more information. A summary of the results of the survey will be published here shortly afer its conclusion.

WHILE WE DO NOT INTEND TO PUBLISH THE INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION MADE, THEY WILL BECOME PART OF THE PUBLIC RECORD. ALL UNRESOLVED DISPUTES WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE INTERNET AS PART OF THE GATECHECK EXAMINATION.