At Planning Aid Scotland, we believe in the power of communities influencing and shaping their local environments. Local Place Plans are a new mechanism for communities across Scotland to influence planning decisions and influence positive change in their areas.

To understand the diverse experiences, successes, and challenges faced by communities preparing Local Place Plans, we are pleased to launch our new survey, which will run throughout July 2025. Whether your community has successfully submitted a plan, is currently in the process, just starting out, or has decided against creating one, your insights are incredibly valuable.

Your feedback will help us identify what’s working well, where more support is needed, and how the Local Place Plan process can be improved for all communities. This is an opportunity for you and your community to contribute to a better understanding of community-led planning in Scotland.

We are keen to hear from as many community bodies as possible. Please help us reach a wide audience by sharing this survey link with your community networks, local groups, and anyone involved in Local Place Plans.

Ready to share your experience? Complete the Local Place Plan survey.

We will share findings from the survey here on our website (late August/early September) once responses have been collated and analysed.

Who is a ‘Community Body’?
A Local Place Plan may be prepared by a suitable community body. A ‘Community Body’ refers to a community-controlled organisation as defined by Section 19 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, or a community council established under Part 4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. This usually includes established community councils and other community organisations with a written constitution, even if not formally incorporated.

Resources to help
You can access a number of resources to help you on your Local Place Plan journey on your Resources page.