The Scottish Government is asking local community bodies to develop Local Place Plans, which are a new type of community-led plan designed to stimulate and encourage debate about the future of a community. The aim is to make sure that locally-based projects and developments are shaped by the needs of local people. Local Place Plans give communities the opportunity to come up with proposals for the preservation, development and use of land and buildings in their local area. Communities can work with others to reach a shared view on how the area should change in the future.

This exciting initiative empowers communities like Helensburgh in shaping their local areas. These plans provide a framework for residents to actively participate in the planning and development of their towns and neighbourhoods. By creating a Local Place Plan, communities can have a stronger voice in the local decision-making processes and greater influence on the future direction of their area.

For Helensburgh, this presents a unique opportunity to collectively envision and plan for our town's future. Our Local Place Plan will allow us to identify our community's needs, aspirations, and priorities across various aspects of town life, from housing and transportation to recreational facilities and environmental conservation. It's a chance for every resident to contribute their ideas and help create a shared vision for Helensburgh's development over the coming years.

Importantly, this Local Place Plan is entirely independent of Argyll and Bute Council. It is a document created by the community, for the community. While the council will consider our LPP in their decision-making processes, the vision, ideas, and priorities expressed in this plan come directly from the people of Helensburgh. This independence ensures that our plan truly reflects the desires and aspirations of our town's residents, free from external influences. 

The process of creating our Local Place Plan is as important as the final document itself. It encourages community engagement, fosters dialogue between different groups within Helensburgh, and helps build a stronger sense of community ownership over local development. Through surveys, workshops, and other forms of consultation, we'll gather diverse perspectives that truly represent the wishes of Helensburgh's residents. This grassroots approach ensures that every voice in our community has the opportunity to be heard and considered.

Once completed, Helensburgh's Local Place Plan will serve as a valuable tool in discussions with local authorities, developers, and other stakeholders. It will provide a clear, community-backed vision for our town's future, helping to ensure that upcoming developments and changes align with the needs and desires of our residents. By participating in this process, you have the power to influence Helensburgh's growth and evolution, creating a town that we can all be proud to call home for generations to come.  

Remember, this is your plan - shaped by your ideas, your aspirations, and your vision for Helensburgh.