LDP Evidence Report - Forestry, Woodland and Trees Topic Paper

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 Forestry, Woodland and Trees Topic Paper.

Forestry woodland and trees are a hugely important element of living in Aberdeenshire, and provide key commercial, biodiversity, amenity and other benefits. The Local Develpment Plan can assist the conservation of forests and woodlands by protecting them from unnecessary development. National Planning Framework 4 sets out the policy intent that the planning system should protect and expand forests, woodlands, and trees and seeks outcomes that mean that existing woodlands and trees are protected, cover is expanded and Woodland and trees on development sites are sustainably managed.

Local Development Plans are required to identify and protect existing woodland, and the potential that it has for for enhancement or expansion to improve ecological connecting land of lesser quality that is culturally or locally important for primary use.

Building on the current Forest and Woodland strategy, this topic paper presents those datasets that inform us of the distribution of forests and woodlands across Aberdeenshire and presents an analysis of the implications for the spatial strategy and site selection process associated with protecting and enhancing all woodland types, including trees and woodlands of high nature conservation value, hedgerows, and individual trees.

Conclusions are drawn that for many of Aberdeenshire's settlements consideration of high value woodlands will be a factor in selection of sites promoted for development and that proposals that enhance and expand existing forests, woodlands and trees should be given added weight

It is likely that this paper will be of particular interest to all communities, and to developers and landowners who may wish to consider development, as it sets out clear conclusions on the importance of maintaining and creating woodlands through the development plan led system. 

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 2024.

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

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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 GATE CHECK EXAMINATION.