A map-based, interactive Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan (LDP) has been created to allow greater, easier interaction with the area’s planning blueprint.

Previously available as either a hard copy, or in PDF format online, the new tool contains all LDP policies and lots of relevant additional information.

Residents, developers and others with an interest in the plan can all now access information quickly, easily and in more detail than before.

It includes several interactive maps with details on heritage, climate, local areas and where development may take place in future. There are links to other useful documents and websites throughout the online plan.

Aberdeenshire Council adopted its LDP in April after Scottish Ministers confirmed they did not require any modification to the document, paving the way for its everyday use in determining development proposals.

Its adoption marked the end of a five-year process, which included two major consultation exercises, attracting more than 2,000 detailed responses, more than 30 committee meetings and a public examination.

You can view and use the online, interactive Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2017 by clicking here.

Work has started on preparatory work for the Local Development Plan 2022.