LDP Evidence Report- Soils 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 Soils Topic Paper.

Soil is a key ecological resource that can have huge importance for biodiveristy and is fundamental to the agricultural economy within Aberdeenshire. The Local Develpment Plan can assist the conservation of important soils by identifying and protecting them from unnecessary development. National Planning Framework 4 sets out the policy intent that the planning system should protect carbon rich and soils, restore peatlands and minimise disturbance to soils from development. It seeks outcomes that mean that valued soils are protected and continue to provide essential ecosystem services for nature, people and our economy.

Local Development Plans are required to protect locally, regionally, nationally and internationally valued soils, including land of lesser quality that is culturally or locally important for primary use.

This topic paper presents an analysis of the spatial implications of the need to protect soils, and considers other reelvant issues such as soil sealing, soil compaction and risk of landslides. It draws conclusions on where consideration of soils will be necessary by identifying those settlements where these constraints may have a influence on the whether the surroundings may not be suitable for development.

It is likely that this paper will be of particular interest to communities within our rich agricultural areas, 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 2024.

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.

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.