A DROP-IN session and workshop to discuss the next Local Development Plan will be held in Peebles later this month.

As part of the process for preparing a new Local Development Plan, Scottish Borders Council must produce what is known as a Main Issues Report.

The Report sets out the important issues for consideration, which will be fed into the Proposed Plan for the area.

A wide range of issues can be considered including identification of housing land, regenerating town centres, employment land provision, protection of greenspace, promotion of quality building design, wind farms and addressing climate change.

The Council is inviting all interested parties to its drop-in sessions and workshops across eight towns and villages.

Councillor Tom Miers, executive member for planning, said: “The Local Development Plan covers a wide range of matters which impact on many aspects of life in the Borders, which is why it is important people come along to these upcoming consultation events.

“The Local Development Plan places further emphasis on high quality design, and encouraging the right kind of development to enhance our environment and improve our economic prospects.

“The interests of local people, the economy and the environment in the Borders are complementary, and the plan will seek to reinforce that connection.

“It will also aim to promote activity within our town centres, as well as protecting our key green spaces within and around towns and villages.”

The workshop events will be able to accommodate up to 30 participants and will last around two hours.

The Peebles drop-in session on Thursday, September 28 takes place from 2pm to 5pm in the Burgh Hall with the workshop starting at 6pm.

If anyone wishes to attend one of the workshop sessions they should contact the council in advance by e-mail localplan@scotborders.gov.uk or by letter to Scottish Borders Council, Forward Planning Team, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells, Melrose, TD6 0SA.