2025.03.18 - Local Place Plans
Renfrewshire Council · 18 March 2025
Back to Planning and Climate Change Policy Board — 18 March 2025 and its agenda
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Planning and Climate Change Policy Board On: 18 March 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Local Place Plans ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 Local Place Plans are community-led plans setting out proposals for the development and use of land. Introduced by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, these plans will set out a community’s aspirations for its future development. To encourage communities to prepare Local Place Plans the Council has prepared a How-to Guide, attends community group meetings and runs a monthly drop-in advice sessions. 1.2 A Local Place Plan fund of £100,000 has been made available in 2025/26 to support communities to prepare a plan for their area. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board approve: 1) the updated Local Place Plans How-to Guide; 2) the proposed approach to distributing the Local Place Plan fund to communities set out in Section 5 of this report; 3) delegated authority for the Head of Economy and Development, in liaison with the Convenor and Vice-Convenor of Planning and Climate Change Policy Board, to approve the allocation of Local Place Plan funding to eligible community groups. ___________________________________________________________________
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3. Background 3.1 Local Place Plans are community-led plans setting out proposals for the development and use of land. Introduced by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, these plans will set out a community’s aspirations for its future development. Once completed and then registered by the planning authority, they are to be taken into account when a local development plan is being prepared. 3.2 The Council issued an invitation to relevant community groups to prepare a Local Place Plan in May 2023, and held information sessions in March 2024. Planning staff have visited several community groups across Renfrewshire to provide presentations on Local Place Plans. Planning staff also run a monthly drop-in session with community groups interested in preparing a Local Place Plan to allow them to seek advice from the Council and each other. ___________________________________________________________ 4. Local Place Plan How-to Guide 4.1 A pilot Local Place Plan was developed for the Foxbar area of Paisley in 2018, co-produced with the local community. As part of the pilot, a Local Place Plans How-to Guide was prepared. This was at a time when the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 was still being considered by the Scottish Parliament and the statutory basis for Local Place Plans and the associated Scottish Government Circular had not been approved yet. 4.2 The How-to Guide has now been updated to reflect the current statutory position and lessons learned from recent place strategies co-produced with local communities. 4.3 The updated How-to Guide is attached at Appendix 1. ___________________________________________________________________ 5. Local Place Plan fund 5.1 At the Council meeting of 27 February 2025, it was agreed that a fund be established to support communities to prepare Local Place Plans, with £100,000 available for financial year 2025/26. 5.2 It is necessary to establish some parameters to maximise the effectiveness of the fund in supporting the preparation of Local Place Plans and some processes to ensure that this funding can be applied for by community groups. 5.3 It is proposed that funding is capped at £10,000 per Local Place Plan. Funding will be prioritised towards Local Place Plans covering a recognised neighbourhood/community area. This could include a town or village centre. Funding will not be made available to different community groups preparing Local Place Plans for the same area. Eligible costs may include research, community consultation, professional services (e.g., planning consultants, graphical support), events/venue hire and report/webpage production. Funded Local Place Plans would need to be submitted by 31 March 2026, with Local Place Plan funding spent in financial year 2025/26.
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5.4 To apply for funding, a two-stage process is proposed. Firstly, there would be an expression of interest stage, so that the Council can be made aware of the level of interest in the fund. The second stage (the application stage) would seek additional information from each community group that has submitted an eligible expression of interest. The additional information would include what work has already been undertaken towards preparing a Local Place Plan, how the fund would be spent including a breakdown of anticipated costs, and an indicative timeline. Suggested expression of interest and application forms are attached as Appendix 2. If the fund is over-subscribed, then applications for Local Place Plan funding may need to be considered competitively with some communities not receiving the full amount sought and potentially some being unsuccessful. It is proposed that the assessment of funding bids and the allocation of funding is undertaken by the Head of Economy and Development, in liaison with the Convenor and Vice-Convenor of Planning and Climate Change Policy Board. 5.5 The indicative timeline for applying for Local Place Plan funding is as follows: • 24 March 2025 – notification of fund and publication/distribution of expression of interest form. • 18 April 2025 – closing date for submission of expression of interest forms • 25 April 2025 – invitation to apply for Local Place Plan funding sent to groups who have submitted an eligible expression of interest form. • 23 May 2025 – closing date for submission of application form. • 30 May 2025 – notify community groups of outcome of application. 5.6 A report on the allocation of Local Place Plan funding will be brought back to Board. _________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – A £100,000 Local Place Plan fund has been established for 2025/26. This will be managed by staff within the Economy and Development Service. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community/Council Planning – Local Place Plans are primarily focused on the development and use of land but can also have a wider remit. For this reason there is potential for Local Place Plans to be relevant for all Community Plan priorities and Council Plan outcomes. Council support for communities preparing Local Place Plans closely aligns with the ‘Place’ outcome of communities being involved in the shaping of their future and ensuring that a wide range of voices and views are heard, and with the ‘Well’ outcome of the Community Plan which has a priority of enabling communities to have their voice heard and influence the places and services that affect them.
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4. Legal – The Council has met legal requirements with regard to inviting local communities to prepare Local place Plans and providing information on assistance available. The Councill will update local communities on the date by which Local Place Plans are to be submitted for them to be taken account of in the preparation of the Local development Plan. 5. Property/Assets – No direct implications, although funded Local Place Plans could include proposals for Council property/assets. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights – The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. Local Place Plans are community- prepared plans. This report relates to funding being made available to community groups to help support the preparation of plans. All eligible community groups will be able to apply for Local Place Plan funding. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – There would be no direct procurement by the Council. Community groups would be required to demonstrate best value in the use of funds, including the procurement of professional support to help prepare Local Place Plans. 10. Risk – There is a risk that a funded community group does not produce a Local Place Plan. This will be mitigated by the careful management of fund payments to community groups by Council staff. 11. Privacy Impact – None. 12. Climate Risk – None. 13. Children’s Rights – The Local Place Plan fund has the potential to have a positive impact on children’s rights if community groups that have been awarded funding include consultation with children and young people in its Local Place Plan process. This would support UNCRC Article 12 – respect for the views of the child. 14. Cosla Policy Position – None. _______________________________________________________ Appendices Appendix 1 – Renfrewshire Local Place Plan How-to Guide Appendix 2 – Suggested expression of interest and application forms for Local Place Plan fund.
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List of Background Papers None ___________________________________________________________________ AW 12 March 2025 Author: Alan Williamson, Strategy & Place Manager, alan.williamson@renfrewshire.gov.uk, 07811 053968
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1 Local Place Plans ‘How To’ Guide‘How To’ Guide
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‘How To’ Guide for Local Place Plans in Renfrewshire 2 CONTENTS Summary 3 1 What is a Local Place Plan? 4 2 Why prepare a Local Place Plan? 6 3 Getting ready 8 4 Preparing the Local Place Plan 10 5 How should a Local Place Plan look? 16 6 Delivering the Local Place Plan 20
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3 Summary The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 provides for the introduction of Local Place Plans. This reflects a new approach which considers land use planning and community action, supporting local people to become more involved in shaping their places. The Council supports the principle of Local Place Plans and is keen to support communities across Renfrewshire in preparing Local Place Plans to shape their neighbourhoods. This ‘How To Guide’ explains the key requirements of a Local Place Plan and steps in their preparation. The Guide is based on the experience of early plans developed with communities across Renfrewshire, including the neighbourhoods of Foxbar and Ferguslie Park in Paisley.
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‘How To’ Guide for Local Place Plans in Renfrewshire 4 1 What is a Local Place Plan?
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5 Actions Area Aspiration Inclusive Local Place Plans present local areas spatially. They outline areas of potential change, identify enhancements and prioritise areas of vacant or derelict land for new or alternative uses. Plans should also assist the Council and Community Planning Partners to have an improved understanding of local aspirations. This will help to align community and land use planning to achieve better outcomes. Geographical Focus Plans should relate to a recognisable area or community, for example a neighbourhood or village. Reflect Community Aspirations Plans should be prepared by or with the local community. They must be led by local communities, to ensure that they reflect community aspirations. Inclusive Engagement Community engagement to inform the plan must be as broad as possible, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to be involved. Community Vision Plans require to reflect the local vision for the area. In setting out the vision it is important to note that Local Place Plans must have regard to the spatial strategy and policies within the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan. Action Focus It is important that plans focus on delivery of the community vision and contain a series of actions. These should be realistic and capable of being delivered. Actions within the plan will assist in identifying resources or priorities for delivery.
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2 Why Prepare a Local Place Plan?
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7 Renfrewshire Council and its partners strongly support empowering local communities to have a greater say in the design and enhancement of their places. The preparation of a Local Place Plan provides an opportunity for communities to work with the Council and Community Planning Partners to strengthen the look and feel of their place. Once validated and registered by the Council, Local Place Plans are taken into account in the preparation of the Local Development Plan. Shaping the Local Community A plan can include physical, social, economic or environmental actions which reflect the aspirations of a local community. Support Community Action The process of preparing a Local Place Plan can support and stimulate community action. The plan can provide a framework for actions which are delivered by the community with assistance from partners and in turn help to secure funding. Demonstrating Aspirations In clearly showing community aspirations for an area, the plan will help the Council, Community Planning Partners and funding organisations to better understand local issues. Partnership Working Preparation of the plan can assist in creating positive and strong relationships within the local community and with partners such as the Council and Community Planning organisations. This in turn stimulates and supports delivery of identified actions. Community Engagement Delivery of Outcomes RENFREWSHIRE COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP Our Renfrewshire Renfrewshire’s Community Plan 2017-2027 Our Renfrewshire is the Community Plan for the ten years 2017-2027 and is also Renfrewshire’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan, as required by the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. Renfrewshire’s Community Plan 2017 - 27 Renfrewshire Local Development Plan (LDP2) 2021 National Planning Framework (NPF4) Local Place Plan
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3 Getting Ready
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9 There are a number of key steps to be considered ahead of a decision to prepare a Local Place Plan. This includes identifying key stakeholders and ensuring that sufficient commitment, support and funding is available. One community group should act as ‘lead’ organisation. This could involve chairing a local steering group of all interested organisations and bringing everyone together. Constituted groups such as Community Councils or Community Development Trusts are ideally placed to take this role. Local Place Plans must be prepared by a community-controlled body as defined by the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2019 or a community council. At the start of the process, it is important that the timescales involved in preparation and delivery of the plan are considered. While the plan may require around 6 months to prepare, delivery may be over several years. It is also important to engage the Council and other partners at an early stage in the process to secure support and guidance. Early Discussion Discussions between community partners should take place to identify support for a plan, the potential scope and the level of resources and commitment needed. Resources Sufficient resources need to be in place to produce the plan. This could include financial resources, staff time or volunteer capacity. Specialist support may also be required to assist with design, graphics or community engagement. Guiding the Plan Process To guide preparation of the plan, a small Steering Group should be established. This should include a mix of representatives from the local community. Getting Started As an initial step, a month by month programme for preparing the plan will be required. This should carefully consider how to engage with and involve the local community in the plan. Getting Ready 12 Months Ten Years Preparing the Plan Flexible Delivery 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Ten years +
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4 Preparing the Local Place Plan
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11 This section sets out how a Local Place Plan might be prepared. It is important to note that there is no ‘correct’ approach and that this can be designed to reflect individual communities and local context. The approach identified in the example adjacent shows a typical six month process over three discrete stages. Each stage has a number of key steps, shown on the following pages. 1 ASPIRATIONS & ISSUES Understanding the Local Community 2 SETTING THE AGENDA Develop Local Place Plans through community engagement 3 MAKING IT HAPPEN Transition to delivery Initial Engagement Establish steering group with community representation Agree community engagement Meet key organisations Online engagement Research Understand previous studies Socio-economic analysis Map community activities Identify opportunities and constraints Drop-in 1: Vision, Ideas & Projects What are our long term aspirations? What should the community be like in the future? What are the individual projects? What should we focus on? Drop-in 2: Actions Refine projects from previous community engagement. What will have the most impact? Who wants to be involved? Finalising the Plan Steering Group agree content and sign off plan Collaborative Delivery Community works with partners to deliver plan
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‘How To’ Guide for Local Place Plans in Renfrewshire 12 1 ASPIRATIONS & ISSUES Understanding the Local Community 2 SETTING THE AGENDA Develop Local Place Plans through community engagement 3 MAKING IT HAPPEN Transition to delivery 1 ASPIRATIONS & ISSUES Understanding the Local Community The aim of this stage is to begin to understand the local community and local context, as a basis for the plan. Previous Engagement A useful starting point is to determine whether previous consultation exercises have been undertaken within the area in recent years. This can provide helpful information on active local community groups, issues and aspirations. Desktop Research Reviewing background information and documents will also be helpful in understanding the local area. This can include data from the census and Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) and documents such as the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan, Renfrewshire Community Plan and other Community Planning Partner plans and strategies. Community Engagement Plan Effective community engagement is crucial to the success of the plan. This should seek to include as many sections of the community as possible, using a range of techniques, locations and times. The table overleaf shows a typical approach to consultation. There are many sources of good practice in community engagement online, including a number of web-based resources specific to Scotland:- PAS SP+EED National Standards for Community Engagement Place Standard Early Meetings As an early part of the community engagement plan, discussions with community groups, businesses and Community Planning Partners will give helpful insights into local issues and community activity. Early meetings will also be helpful in raising awareness of the plan with local people.
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13 Description Participants Local organisations One to one contact. Discussions may include:- What is the organisation already doing locally? What are their aspirations? How might the plan help to deliver their objectives? Ask all to promote the development of the Plan. Key community organisations. This could include the local Community Council, Community Centres and those using community facilities, libraries, shops, churches and those using church halls, uniformed youth organisations, care homes. Councillors Briefing meeting and subsequent contact as required. Local Ward Councillors Community Planning Partners and other stakeholders One to one contact. Discussions may include: What is the organisation already doing locally? What are their aspirations? How might the plan help to deliver their objectives? How might they help to deliver the plan? Key organisations and local stake- holders. This could include Council Services, Engage Renfrewshire, local Housing Associations, emergency services, Health and Social Care Partnership, Renfrewshire Leisure and third sector organisations. Community survey Short survey suitable for all ages. Distribute online and hard copy via community groups, local network, social media and local ‘on street’ events. Potential to combine with event flyer. Everybody in the local community Schools and youth organisations Sessions and or/surveys to help understand aspirations. Primary and Secondary Schools Youth groups ‘On Street’ Events Events at key local facilities such as shops, community halls, community events, bus stops, local library and health clinics. Use discussions to complete surveys and distribute flyers. Everybody in the local community Social Media Regular publicity and updates. Use existing pages or create a new page if appropriate. Link to others to increase publicity and aware- ness. Everybody in the local community Desktop Research and Analysis Review of any previous studies, Council and Community Planning Partner plans and strategies. Review of opportunities and constraints. Place Plan Steering Group. Example of Typical Stage 1 Activities
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‘How To’ Guide for Local Place Plans in Renfrewshire 14 14 The aim of this stage is to develop the plan with the local community, building on early engagement. Approach and Priorities It is important the local community set the approach and priorities for the plan – they should set the agenda for the future of their place. At the same time key stakeholders such as the Council, Community Planning Partners and key stakeholders must also be actively involved to assist in the production and delivery of the plan. Encouraging Engagement The plan should be developed through a series of well promoted events and online engagement. The aim should be to encourage as many people as possible to participate. Careful thought should be given to the sequence and format of events – welcoming and more informal ‘drop in’ events are often the most successful. Social media can also be very effective form of engagement. Communicating Ideas Using graphics such as drawings, plans and images is often the best and most simple approach to communicate ideas. Examples are shown in Section 5. 1 ASPIRATIONS & ISSUES Understanding the Local Community 2 SETTING THE AGENDA Develop Local Place Plans through community engagement 3 MAKING IT HAPPEN Transition to delivery 2 SETTING THE AGENDA Develop Local Place Plans through community engagement
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15 The aim of this stage is to prepare the plan and move towards delivery. Finalising the Plan The plan should be based on outcomes from community engagement, with content agreed and finalised by the Steering Group. Ideally, the plan should be a short, visual document to help communicate ideas and priorities quickly. Vision The plan should set a long term vision for the area (5-10 years) and deliverable actions, with enough flexibility to accommodate changing circumstances over that time. This should help the Council and Community Planning Partners to inform their plans and strategies. Be Realistic The focus of the plan should be on priorities and actions which are deliverable. Short term actions and ‘quick wins’ will help to deliver the plan and build momentum. More ambitious, long term actions can also be included even though resources might not yet be available. In considering longer term actions, the key is to consider whether a realistic delivery route may exist in the future. Community Led Action The focus of Local Place Plans should be on the local community – how it can lead on actions and change the neighbourhood. Promote the Plan Once the plan is complete, this should be circulated and promoted widely within the local community and key partners. This is important to help generate community support and mobilise local groups and volunteers to deliver projects. 1 ASPIRATIONS & ISSUES Understanding the Local Community 2 SETTING THE AGENDA Develop Local Place Plans through community engagement 3 MAKING IT HAPPEN Transition to delivery 3 MAKING IT HAPPEN Transition to delivery
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5 How Should a Local Place Plan Look?
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17 The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 requires that Local Place Plans must:- • Identify the community body which produced the plan • Contain a map of the area covered by the plan • Contain a statement of proposals for the development of use of land • Identify the land and building subject to proposals There are a variety of ways to achieve this and no ‘correct’ approach on the look of a place plan. Generally, plans will share some similar elements and should where possible be visual in showing ideas and actions. Short and Succinct Plans should be written in a way which avoids jargon and be as short and succinct as possible. Typical content might include:- community assets and aspirations, overall vision, priority projects and delivery. Graphic and Visual Plans should be highly visual, using graphics, plans and diagrams to communicate main points. Detailed information considered important can be included within appendices. Local Context Each plan should reflect local context and community aspirations. Renfrewshire is a diverse area and each community has unique assets and aspirations. Vision Each plan should have an overall vision which captures community aspirations for the future, and specific individual actions to assist in achieving that vision. Actions should be flexible enough to adjust to changing circumstances. 1 - The Making of: Ferguslie Park - sketch diagram
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‘How To’ Guide for Local Place Plans in Renfrewshire 18 2 2 - Sample Projects Matrix Priority projects should be developed during the engagement process. Using symbols and colours is a simple way to illustrate the actions and their link to the vision for the area.
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3 4 5 4 / 5 - Sample Project: Civic Squares Each priority project should be allocated a page within the document, with mapping and images used to explain the key information. This project page was accompanied with a summary and visualisation to illustrate the future aspirations. 3 - Sample Key Plan Each of the “priority projects” should be mapped onto a key plan. This approach is a clear and visual way of communicating outcomes.
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6 Delivering the Plan
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21 Delivery of the plan is just as important as preparation and it is important to move quickly from planning to action. Quick Wins It is important to identify at least one action which can be delivered easily and quickly – for example a litter pick. This will demonstrate success, build momentum and encourage more people to get involved. Working Together The local community and key stakeholders should continue to work together to support delivery of actions in the plan. Changing the role of the Steering Group to a Delivery Group is a good way of doing this. Communication Communicating progress with the plan and successes is also key, and can be through a variety of means. Good communication and delivery of actions is vital to building momentum, support and capacity within the local community and key stakeholders.
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‘How To’ Guide for Local Place Plans in Renfrewshire 22 The Council is keen to encourage local communities to produce their own Local Place Plans. If your community is interested, please contact: Strategy and Place Team Chief Executive’s Service Renfrewshire Council localplanconsultation@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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Local Place Plan fund – expression of interest form 1. Name of community group seeking funding and leading on the preparation of the Local Place Plan 2. Contact details for community group seeking funding 3. Is this a community council or a community-controlled body within the definition in section 19 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2015/6/section/19). Groups will be required to answer yes to this question to have their expression of interest accepted. 4. Please confirm that you have read the following documents Planning Circular 1/2022: Local Place Plans ☐ (https://www.gov.scot/publications/circular-1-2022-local-place-plans/) Renfrewshire Council Local Placer Plan How-to guide ☐ (https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/8667/Local-Place-Plans) Groups will be expected to have read these documents to have their expression of interest accepted. 5. Please describe the boundaries of the area to be covered by the Local Place Plan. Funding will be prioritised towards Local Place Plans covering a recognised neighbourhood/community area. This could include town or village centres. Funding will not be provided to different groups seeking to prepare separate Local Place Plans for the same area. In this situation, groups will be encouraged to collaborate on a single bid and plan. 6. How much funding is being sought to support the preparation of the Local Place Plan? Funding awards will be capped at £10,000 per Local Place Plan. 7. What is the estimated date for submission of your Local Place Plan to the Council? Local Place Plan funding will need to be claimed and spent in financial year 2025/26 (ending 31/03/2026) and Local Place Plans submitted to the Council no later than 31 March 2026. Appendix 2
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Local Place Plan fund – application form 1. Name of community group seeking funding and leading on the preparation of the Local Place Plan 2. Contact details for community group seeking funding 3. Is this a community council or a community-controlled body within the definition in section 19 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2015/6/section/19). Groups will be required to answer yes to this question to have their application considered. 4. Please confirm that you have read the following documents Planning Circular 1/2022: Local Place Plans ☐ (https://www.gov.scot/publications/circular-1-2022-local-place-plans/) Renfrewshire Council Local Placer Plan How-to guide ☐ (https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/8667/Local-Place-Plans) Groups will be expected to have read these documents to have their application considered. 5. Please describe the boundaries of the area to be covered by the Local Place Plan. Funding will be prioritised towards Local Place Plans covering a recognised neighbourhood/community area. This could include town or village centres. Funding will not be provided to different groups seeking to prepare separate Local Place Plans for the same area. In this situation, groups will be encouraged to collaborate on a single bid and plan. 6. How much funding is being sought to support the preparation of the Local Place Plan? Funding awards will be capped at £10,000 per Local Place Plan. 7. Please advise what discussions and/or work has already been undertaken by your group towards preparing a Local Place Plan, including any evidence of community need, support and involvement. Please include names of the core group who will be leading the preparation of the Local Place Plan.
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8. Please outline how the fund would be used to support preparation of your Local Place Plan? Eligible costs may include research, community consultation, professional services (e.g., planning consultants, graphical support), events/venue hire and report/webpage production. Please include an indicative breakdown of how the fund will be used. 9. Please set out an indicative timeline for preparing your Local Place Plan including completion dates for key stages. Local Place Plan funding will need to be claimed and spent in financial year 2025/26 (ending 31/03/2026) and Local Place Plans submitted to the Council no later than 31 March 2026. If the fund is oversubscribed, Council Officers may seek discussions to seek further information on your proposed Local Place Plan fund application including your organisation’s understanding of, and readiness to undertake the process, and greater detail on how the fund is to be spent.