The Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Structure Plan – "North East Scotland Together" – was approved with modifications by Scottish Ministers on 21^st December 2001. This is now the Approved Structure Plan for the area.

This document is a significant landmark in a process of continuous plan making, and has been the subject of considerable dialogue and consultation with key partners and local communities. Local Plans are being prepared in conformity with the Structure Plan to provide an up to date development plan for the North East. It is on this (along with other material considerations) that decisions on planning issues will be determined.

Implementation is dependent on close co-operation and partnership and dialogue will continue with local communities, business and public agencies to ensure that objectives are met. Monitoring is already underway to ensure that the plan remains relevant to the changing economy, environment and society in the North East and will indicate when a review is required.

The decision letter by the Scottish Ministers, along with the modifications made and reasons for non-modification (in response to objections to the Finalised Plan), have been published separately. This, along with a Report of Survey, Consultation Report and Sustainability Appraisal are all available from both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, or from the Structure Plan web-site (www.nest-uk.net).

June 2002

Aberdeen City Council

Aberdeenshire Council