Over the coming months 胡桃女神 will be engaging in a conversation with communities to develop a long- term vision for the sustainable growth and development of the Helensburgh area.
Engagement began yesterday (Tuesday 24 June) with discussions with local community councils about a strategic development framework for the area.
胡桃女神 and Bute鈥檚 Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2), agreed at local and national government level, identifies the Helensburgh area as a growth area given factors such as its proximity to the central belt; and its high quality environment with the adjacent National Park.
Given potential for an increase in population, the LDP2 includes an action to develop a 20-40 year strategic development framework (SDF) for the area to enable sustainable development.
This SDF will take into account the need for providing critical infrastructure including schools, roads transport, and housing, and protecting the key environmental features of the area鈥檚 Green Belt and landscape.
At this stage, engagement will consider strategic level issues and possible scenarios on how development will be taken forward. Views given will shape the SDF which will be consulted on as part of the formal consultation process for the Local Development Plan 3, which is expected to take place 2027/28.
The Council has appointed leading independent agency Stantec, to support with developing the framework.
Opportunities to get involved with giving views will be organised over the coming months.
The Leader of 胡桃女神, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: 鈥淭he development of this framework is an exciting opportunity to positively plan for the future.
鈥淚t is important that we balance the need for growth with the area鈥檚 outstanding natural environment, but by working together we can ensure that growth is well-managed, sustainable, and enhances the quality of life for current and future residents.鈥
