Employment Development in the Countryside

On 2nd December 2004 the Infrastrucure Services Commitee approved the use of supplementary planning guidance on Policy Emp/3 Employment Development in the Countryside.

The guidance supports both the objectives and specific policies pertaining to employment land in both the Structure Plan and Finalised Local Plan. The aim of policy Emp\3 "Employment Development in the Countryside" is to promote the rural economy whilst protecting the environment in the countryside and promoting sustainable development. For the purpose of the Aberdeenshire Local Plan the countryside is defined as land that is not contained within a defined settlement envelope or within the Green Belt. The interpretation of this policy may differ within the Cairngorms National Park Area and as such this supplementary guidance does not apply to the Cairngorms National Park Area. It will be of interest to applicants seeking to develop existing employment land for alternative uses. It will also be used as a guide by development control officers to help them assess compliance with Policy Emp\3.

Status

The guidance contained in this note does not itself have statutory force or overrides the provisions of the Development Plan or the rights and responsibilities of Aberdeenshire Council determining the application nor those of applicants. Nevertheless, it was approved by the Infrastructure Services Committee of Aberdeenshire Council at their meeting of 2 December 2004. It reflects the spirit and intent and is intended to complement Scottish Executive and Development Plan policy on employment land in the countryside by providing a common interpretation.