Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3)

We are preparing Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3) for South Lanarkshire. This plan will guide how land is used, developed and protected over the next 10 years and beyond. Once adopted, it will replace Local Development Plan 2 and, together with National Planning Framework 4, will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

LDP3 will help shape what our places look like in the future, including where new homes and jobs could be built, and which areas should be protected. It places strong emphasis on high‑quality places, tackling climate change, and protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

How the plan is being prepared

The timetable for preparing LDP3, including how and when people can get involved, is set out in our Development Plan Scheme and Participation Statement 2025-26.

Evidence Report

The first stage of LDP3 was preparing an Evidence Report. This brings together data, research and feedback from communities and organisations to build a strong evidence base for the new plan.

The Evidence Report was approved by the council on 10 December 2025 and submitted to the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA). It is currently being assessed through a process known as a Gatecheck, where an independent Reporter decides whether the evidence is sufficient to move on to the next stage.

You can view the Evidence Report and related documents on the DPEA website.

Engagement and consultation

We carried out extensive engagement while preparing the Evidence Report, including community conversations and the Let’s Talk Place survey. A summary of this feedback will be published on this page soon.

LDP3 call for ideas - coming next

Once the Evidence Report passes the Gatecheck, we will begin work on the proposed LDP3. This will include a Call for Ideas, where you can submit suggestions for sites or planning topics.

A site proposal form has been produced for this stage which will need to be completed for every proposal promoted for inclusion in LDP3. A copy of the form is available on request by emailing LocalPlan@southlanarkshire.gov.uk. Please note however that these should not be submitted until the formal Call for Ideas has been launched.

A separate non-site specific ideas survey form will be produced in time for the Call for Ideas.