Place Planning
Transform your community’s vision into real change with Scotland’s most experienced place planning specialists
Local Place Plans give communities the power to shape their area’s future. Introduced by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, these community-led documents express your priorities for local development and must be considered by councils when making planning decisions.
CEIS has been supporting Scottish communities for over 40 years, and we have a healthy track record of creating ambitious plans that attract funding, influence development, and deliver lasting benefits for residents, businesses, and local organisations.
Our approach is different. Whilst others stop at legal compliance, we provide both a Local Place Plan (that meets statutory requirements) and a Strategic Development Plan (that shows you how to make it happen). Every component can be tailored to your needs and budget.
What Are Local Place Plans?
Local Place Plans are community-led documents that set out your area’s development priorities. Under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, local planning authorities must take registered Local Place Plans into account when preparing Local Development Plans and considering planning applications.
Your Local Place Plan can influence:
- New housing developments in your area
- Business and commercial development
- Transport improvements and connectivity
- Green space protection and enhancement
- Community facilities and services
Local Place Plans must be registered before councils prepare their next Local Development Plans to ensure your community’s priorities are considered in planning decisions
Our Local Place Planning Services
We guide you through the entire process, from initial community engagement to council registration. Our six-stage methodology follows official guidance whilst adding extra value through our community development expertise.
What you get:
- Initial planning and community mapping
- Comprehensive resident surveys and consultations
- Stakeholder workshops and interviews
- Professional plan writing and design
- Public consultation management
- Registration support with your local council
Perfect for: Communities wanting comprehensive support throughout the entire Local Place Plan process.
Getting genuine community input is crucial for a successful Local Place Plan. We use proven methods to reach all parts of your community, including hard-to-reach groups, young people, and local businesses.
Our consultation includes:
- Door-to-door surveys and online questionnaires
- Community workshops and focus groups
- Youth engagement through schools and clubs
- Business and stakeholder interviews
- Place Standard Tool sessions
- Public meetings and drop-in events
Perfect for: Communities who want to run their own planning process but need expert help with consultation.
A Local Place Plan sets out what you want – a Strategic Development Plan shows you how to achieve it. This detailed roadmap identifies specific projects, funding sources, partnerships, and timelines to turn your community’s aspirations into reality.
Your Strategic Development Plan covers:
- Priority project identification and development
- Funding opportunities and application support
- Partnership development with councils and agencies
- Implementation timelines and milestones
- Risk management and contingency planning
- Success measurement and monitoring
Perfect for: Communities with existing plans who need help with implementation, or those wanting both vision and delivery strategy.
Strong evidence strengthens your Local Place Plan and helps secure funding for projects. We research your area’s needs, opportunities, and challenges using official data and local knowledge.
Our research covers:
- Population and demographic analysis
- Housing needs and development opportunities
- Transport and connectivity assessment
- Economic development potential
- Environmental assets and constraints
- Community facilities and service gaps
Perfect for: Communities needing robust evidence to support their planning proposals or funding applications.
A well-designed Local Place Plan is more likely to be taken seriously by councils, funders, and developers. Our design partnership ensures your plan looks professional whilst remaining accessible to your community.
Design services include:
- Professional layout and graphic design
- Local photography and mapping
- Clear infographics and data visualisation
- Accessible formatting for all readers
- Print and digital versions
- Summary documents and presentations
Perfect for: Communities with content ready but needing professional presentation, or those wanting to refresh existing documents.
We believe in empowering communities to lead their own development. Our support builds local skills and confidence, ensuring you can drive implementation long after our direct involvement ends.
Support includes:
- Training for local volunteers and committee members
- Guidance on governance and decision-making
- Help with funding applications and partnerships
- Regular check-ins and problem-solving support
- Connection with other successful communities
- Long-term strategic advice
Perfect for: Any community group wanting to build their organisational capacity and planning skills.
Why Communities Choose CEIS
We get results: Our place planning work has helped communities secure millions in funding. The Kirkconnel & Kelloholm Place Plan we supported was the first approved under the £50 million Borderlands Programme.
We speak your language: No planning jargon or complicated processes. We explain everything clearly and support you every step of the way.
We build local capacity: Rather than doing everything for you, we teach you the skills to continue driving change in your community.
We’re flexible: Whether you need our complete service or just one component, we adapt to your budget and timeline.
We know Scotland: With 40 years supporting Scottish communities, we understand local government, funding systems, and what works in practice.
Local Place Plan Requirements in Scotland
To be registered by your local council, Local Place Plans must meet specific requirements under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 and Town and Country Planning (Local Place Plans) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.
Your plan must:
- Cover a clearly defined geographical area
- Be prepared by a community organisation
- Include a statement of community consultation
- Set out proposals for land use and development
- Follow the consultation requirements (minimum 28 days public consultation)
We ensure full compliance with all legal requirements whilst creating documents that go far beyond the minimum standards.
Getting Started With Your Local Place Plan
Ready to give your community a stronger voice in local development? We’ll work with you to understand your specific timeline needs and circumstances.
Step 1: Get in touch for an informal chat about your community’s needs and aspirations
Step 2: We’ll provide a tailored proposal outlining services, timeline, and costs
Step 3: Once appointed, we begin with community mapping and engagement planning
Step 4: Throughout the process, we build local capacity so your community can drive implementation
Most communities find funding support through:
- Community-Led Local Development programmes
- Local authority community development funds
- Scottish Government place-based funding
- Local community foundations and trusts
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs vary depending on your area’s size and complexity. We provide detailed proposals after understanding your specific needs. Many communities secure funding to cover costs, and we can also advise in this capacity. Do get in touch to discuss costs.
CEIS anticipates approximately 6 months to complete all stages of both Local Place Plan and Strategic Development Plan development, though this depends on your community’s size and complexity of issues.
Absolutely. Our modular approach means you can take on elements you’re comfortable with whilst getting professional support where needed.
Councils must consider registered Local Place Plans under Scottish law. We help you build positive relationships with planning officers throughout the process.
Yes, Local Place Plans must be prepared by community organisations. We can advise on setting up appropriate structures if needed.
Let’s bring your vision for your community to life
Every thriving community started with people who cared enough to plan for a better future. Your Local Place Plan is the first step towards making your community’s vision reality.
Contact CEIS today to discuss:
- Your community’s planning needs and opportunities
- Which services would work best for your situation
- Funding options and support available
- Timeline and next steps
Give your community the voice it deserves in shaping its future.
