LDP Evidence Report Coastal Development

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Consultation has concluded

THIS SURVEY HAS NOW CLOSED 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 Coastal Development Topic Paper.

The topic paper examines what the Local Development Plan needs to consider in adapting our coastlines to the impacts of climate change. As a coastal region, Aberdeenshire is vulnerable to the threat of rising sea levels with risk of coastal flooding, erosion, damage to infrastructure and disruption for communities. National Planning Framework 4 sets out the policy intent that the planning system should protect coastal communities and assets and support resilience to the impacts of climate change. It seeks outcomes that mean our coastal areas develop sustainably and adapt to climate change. The LDP can assist by identifying where future development and infrastructure should, and should not be, located based on the evidence.

Local Development Plans are required to identify areas of developed and undeveloped coast in their spatial strategy, and align with national, sectoral and regional marine plans. A precautionary approach to flood risk is required whilst recognising opportunities to use nature-based solutions to improve coastal resilience.

This topic paper presents an analysis of the spatial implications of the two main threats of coastal flood risk and erosion as a result of projected sea level rises. The paper draws conclusions about where our coastline is most vulnerable, identifying which areas may not be suitable for development, and considers the scope of opportunities for adapting to climate change and building in greater resilience.

It is likely that this paper will be of particular interest to all coastal communities, and developers and landowners who may wish to consider development on, or close to, the coast .

If there are matters that you do not agree with relating to the information that we have looked at, 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. Otherwise comments that you may make to this paper will be analysed and where possible resolution sought before consideration by Aberdeenshire Council, probably in January 2025.


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.

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

THIS SURVEY HAS NOW CLOSED 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 Coastal Development Topic Paper.

The topic paper examines what the Local Development Plan needs to consider in adapting our coastlines to the impacts of climate change. As a coastal region, Aberdeenshire is vulnerable to the threat of rising sea levels with risk of coastal flooding, erosion, damage to infrastructure and disruption for communities. National Planning Framework 4 sets out the policy intent that the planning system should protect coastal communities and assets and support resilience to the impacts of climate change. It seeks outcomes that mean our coastal areas develop sustainably and adapt to climate change. The LDP can assist by identifying where future development and infrastructure should, and should not be, located based on the evidence.

Local Development Plans are required to identify areas of developed and undeveloped coast in their spatial strategy, and align with national, sectoral and regional marine plans. A precautionary approach to flood risk is required whilst recognising opportunities to use nature-based solutions to improve coastal resilience.

This topic paper presents an analysis of the spatial implications of the two main threats of coastal flood risk and erosion as a result of projected sea level rises. The paper draws conclusions about where our coastline is most vulnerable, identifying which areas may not be suitable for development, and considers the scope of opportunities for adapting to climate change and building in greater resilience.

It is likely that this paper will be of particular interest to all coastal communities, and developers and landowners who may wish to consider development on, or close to, the coast .

If there are matters that you do not agree with relating to the information that we have looked at, 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. Otherwise comments that you may make to this paper will be analysed and where possible resolution sought before consideration by Aberdeenshire Council, probably in January 2025.


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.

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

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Coastal Development

    This topic paper explores the evidence surrounding the Coastal Development topic, and provides an understanding of Aberdeenshire in relation to this issue. 

    It identifies what information has been collected and assessed, why this is sufficient, and the relevance of that information to the next Local Development Plan. 

    The data has primarily been assessed on the possible impact of future allocations for development within settlements.  It considers, and asks for your views, on eight general topics: 

    1. Identification of Datasets 

    2. Climate change and the implications of sea level rise

    3. The developed and undeveloped coast

    4. Coastal assets and infrastructure:  local harbours; coastal access and recreation; coastal and offshore energy

    5. Coastal biodiversity

    6. Implications for the plan of missing data

    7. Possible Connections in Evidence 

    8. Site Selection Implications

    While considering these issues it would be appropriate to refer to the content of the topic paper. 

    We estimate that this survey will take 20 minutes to complete

    Consultation has concluded
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