Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3)

A local development plan (LDP) is a long-term plan that describes where and how development - for example new houses - should and should not take place. LDPs are important documents setting out how the places people live, work in and visit will change in the future.

We are preparing a new Local Development Plan - LDP3 - for the North Ayrshire Council area. Find information on our Local Development Plan hub.

Evidence report

The Evidence Report brings together data and engagement outputs and is the first stage in the preparation of North Ayrshire's third Local Development Plan (LDP).

The report was approved by the Local Development Plan Committee on 9 December 2025. It was submitted to Scottish Ministers on 20 January 2026. Scottish Ministers appointed a Reporter on 24 February 2026 to carry out a 'Gate Check' of the Evidence Report.

On 1 July 2026, the Reporter gave notice of their assessment that the Evidence Report contains sufficient information to enable the planning authority to prepare a Local Development Plan. The Reporters assessment and decision can be viewed in the Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals Division Case.

Development Plan Scheme

In September 2026, the planning committee adopted our latest Development Plan Scheme. This sets out our programme for preparing our next Local Development Plan (LDP3) and when, how and with whom consultation will take place. This is known as a Participation Statement.

Potential Development Sites Consultation

Last year, we invited individuals, community bodies, organisations, landowners and developers to submit their ideas for what should be included in LDP3 through a ‘Call for Ideas’. Most of the submissions were ideas relating to the development of a specific site, with most of these proposals for housing development. We are now looking to find out the views of local communities on these potential development sites.

View the potential sites and respond to the consultation.

This consultation will be open until Monday 9 November 2026.

Assessments

The following assessments have been undertaken to support the preparation of North Ayrshire’s Third Local Development Plan:

• Play sufficiency assessment document

Mailing list

For updates on the development plan for North Ayrshire, including the preparation of LDP3 and consultation events, complete an update request form.