What are the Main Issues?

APT Sec is currently trying to find a user friendly definition of what the term 'Main Issues' means as far as planning goes.

However I do have some information on what a Main Issues Report is


As part of the new planning system, authorities must prepare a "Main Issues Report". The new Planning Act and Regulations are clear on what the Main Issues Report must contain. They are to set out the authorities' proposals for where development should and should not occur. They are not intended to be draft versions of the Local Development Plan, but should concentrate on the key areas of change and ideas for future development.



APTSec has read (in a publication prepared by a leading firm of chartered surveyors) that "...The 'Main Issues Report' will be subject to very broad consultation, with a view to the authority resolving concerns and clarifying policies prior to the preparation of the proposed Plan. The Main Issues Report aims to highlight and promote discussion on key areas of policy change, and to allow discussion of the merits of different sites which could be taken forward for development."

Planning Aid Scotland has stated:


"Planning Aid Scotland always aims to encourage communities/individuals to get involved with planning at Development Plan stage (as well as after applications are submitted i.e. Development Management stage); with the aim of guiding them to consider the wider issues of planning (e.g. climate change, health, future housing allocations, transport links etc.).


This is what the Government is hoping for at the Main Issues Report stage of preparation of the new Local Development Plans (Main Issues Report is mentioned in Highland Council’s Development Plan Scheme) – an opportunity for members of the public at this early stage in the plan preparation process to put forward their thoughts about any planning matter, from land allocation to wording of planning policies."


Highland Council is planning to hold a period of 6 weeks consultation on the Main Issues Report for the Highland wide Local Development Plan starting on the 14 August 2009.