data.json

{
  "updated": "2026-08-26",
  "regulations_in_force": "2024-12-05",
  "stages": [
    {
      "n": 0,
      "name": "Considering",
      "short": "Considering"
    },
    {
      "n": 1,
      "name": "Project initiation",
      "short": "Initiation"
    },
    {
      "n": 2,
      "name": "Consult on possible proposals",
      "short": "Early consultation"
    },
    {
      "n": 3,
      "name": "Prepare proposed scheme and consult (30-day representations)",
      "short": "Proposed scheme"
    },
    {
      "n": 4,
      "name": "Finalise scheme",
      "short": "Finalise"
    },
    {
      "n": 5,
      "name": "Decision making and notification to Ministers",
      "short": "Decision / notify"
    },
    {
      "n": 6,
      "name": "Make the scheme",
      "short": "Made"
    },
    {
      "n": 7,
      "name": "Publicity of the made scheme",
      "short": "Published"
    }
  ],
  "stages_source": {
    "title": "Masterplan Consent Areas: guidance, section 'How?', Figure 1",
    "url": "https://www.gov.scot/publications/masterplan-consent-areas-guidance/pages/6/"
  },
  "milestones": [
    {
      "date": "2019-07-25",
      "text": "Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 receives Royal Assent. Section 15 creates Masterplan Consent Areas, replacing Simplified Planning Zones.",
      "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2019/13/section/15"
    },
    {
      "date": "2024-05-22",
      "text": "Scottish Government consultation on the draft MCA regulations closes.",
      "url": "https://consult.gov.scot/local-government-and-housing/masterplan-consent-areas-regulations-consultation/"
    },
    {
      "date": "2024-07-25",
      "text": "Deadline for every planning authority to publish its first 'duty to consider' statement (Schedule 5A, paragraph 5).",
      "url": "https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/205/planning_policy/836/masterplan_consent_areas_mcas"
    },
    {
      "date": "2024-12-05",
      "text": "The Town and Country Planning (Masterplan Consent Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 (SSI 2024/253) come into force. Authorities can make schemes from this date.",
      "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2024/253/made"
    },
    {
      "date": "2025-01-28",
      "text": "Scottish Government publishes MCA guidance, including the seven-stage preparation process used on this page.",
      "url": "https://www.gov.scot/publications/masterplan-consent-areas-guidance/"
    },
    {
      "date": "2025-05-12",
      "text": "Masterplan Consent Area Schemes Direction 2025 and Circular 1/2025 take effect: schemes meeting notification triggers must be notified to Ministers before being made.",
      "url": "https://www.gov.scot/publications/planning-circular-1-2025-notification-ministers-masterplan-consent-area-schemes/"
    },
    {
      "date": "2025-07-01",
      "text": "Glasgow City Council informs the Scottish Government it intends to consider a scheme at Linthouse, Govan (month known, day not).",
      "url": "https://glasgow.gov.uk/article/14192/Masterplan-Consent-Areas"
    },
    {
      "date": "2025-07-30",
      "text": "Scottish Government issues Highland Council a grant offer of up to £94,000 for 2025-26 under the MCA Early Adopters programme, to take 3 of 7 candidate areas through the process. Programme for Government 2025-26 commits to 'supporting the delivery of three Masterplan Consent Areas'.",
      "url": "https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/foi-eir-release/2026/04-b/foi-202600504333/documents/eir-202600504333---information-released---annex/eir-202600504333---information-released---annex/govscot:document/EIR+202600504333+-+Information+Released+-+Annex.pdf"
    },
    {
      "date": "2026-01-14",
      "text": "Highland publishes the first statutory public notice for a potential MCA (Ardersier). Embo follows on 29 January.",
      "url": "https://www.highland.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/31159/ardersier_mca_public_notice_14_january_2026.pdf"
    },
    {
      "date": "2026-05-14",
      "text": "Highland Council endorses three MCA sites (Ardersier, Essich Road, Embo) with reduced housing numbers. Scotland's first committee endorsement of MCA sites; no scheme is yet made.",
      "url": "https://projectscot.com/2026/05/highland-council-masterplan-consent-area-decision-welcomed/"
    }
  ],
  "schemes": [
    {
      "id": "highland-ardersier",
      "authority": "Highland",
      "name": "Ardersier",
      "site": "Ardersier East, land east of the village",
      "lat": 57.565,
      "lng": -4.03,
      "use": "Housing",
      "homes": 400,
      "homes_note": "Reduced from 600 after consultation",
      "developer": "Springfield Properties",
      "stage": 3,
      "stage_note": "Sites endorsed by committee 14 May 2026. Draft masterplan to be co-authored with an independent adviser, then consulted on, then returned to committee. No proposed scheme published yet.",
      "events": [
        {
          "date": "2025-07-30",
          "text": "Included in Scottish Government early-adopter grant (£94k, 3 of 7 candidate areas)."
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-01-14",
          "text": "Public notice of a potential MCA; first feedback deadline 13 Feb, final 31 Mar 2026.",
          "url": "https://www.highland.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/31159/ardersier_mca_public_notice_14_january_2026.pdf"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-05-14",
          "text": "Council endorses the site; homes cut from 600 to 400.",
          "url": "https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/highland-council-scales-back-masterplan-consent-areas"
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Scottish Housing News, views sought on Ardersier MCA",
          "url": "https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/views-sought-on-proposed-masterplan-consent-area-at-ardersier"
        },
        {
          "title": "Project Scotland, 14 May 2026 decision",
          "url": "https://projectscot.com/2026/05/highland-council-masterplan-consent-area-decision-welcomed/"
        },
        {
          "title": "SG FOI EIR-202600504333: grant, milestones, site longlist",
          "url": "https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/foi-eir-release/2026/04-b/foi-202600504333/documents/eir-202600504333---information-released---annex/eir-202600504333---information-released---annex/govscot:document/EIR+202600504333+-+Information+Released+-+Annex.pdf",
          "archived": "sources/sg-eir-202600504333-highland-mca-grant.txt"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "homes_original": 600,
      "homes_consented": 0,
      "homes_built": 0
    },
    {
      "id": "highland-essich-road",
      "authority": "Highland",
      "name": "Essich Road, Inverness",
      "site": "Essich Road / Torbreck Farm, south Inverness",
      "lat": 57.455,
      "lng": -4.24,
      "use": "Housing",
      "homes": 315,
      "homes_note": "Reduced from 400 after consultation",
      "developer": "Tulloch Homes",
      "stage": 3,
      "stage_note": "Sites endorsed by committee 14 May 2026. Draft masterplan still to be prepared and consulted on.",
      "events": [
        {
          "date": "2025-07-30",
          "text": "Included in Scottish Government early-adopter grant."
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-01-20",
          "text": "Survey launched; first feedback deadline 2 Feb, final 31 Mar 2026.",
          "url": "https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/17067/residents_and_businesses_encouraged_to_help_shape_potential_masterplan_consent_area_at_essich_road_inverness"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-05-14",
          "text": "Council endorses the site; homes cut from 400 to 315.",
          "url": "https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/highland-council-scales-back-masterplan-consent-areas"
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Highland Council news, Essich Road survey",
          "url": "https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/17067/residents_and_businesses_encouraged_to_help_shape_potential_masterplan_consent_area_at_essich_road_inverness"
        },
        {
          "title": "Scottish Housing News, 15 May 2026",
          "url": "https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/highland-council-scales-back-masterplan-consent-areas"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "homes_original": 400,
      "homes_consented": 0,
      "homes_built": 0
    },
    {
      "id": "highland-embo",
      "authority": "Highland",
      "name": "Embo",
      "site": "Land adjacent to Embo approach road, Sutherland",
      "lat": 57.908,
      "lng": -4.0,
      "use": "Housing",
      "homes": 60,
      "homes_note": "Initial proposal was up to 150 dwellings",
      "developer": "Not confirmed",
      "stage": 3,
      "stage_note": "Sites endorsed by committee 14 May 2026 at 60 homes. Prospective development partner's intentions were clarified during consultation.",
      "events": [
        {
          "date": "2025-07-30",
          "text": "Included in Scottish Government early-adopter grant."
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-01-29",
          "text": "Public notice of a potential MCA; final feedback deadline 31 Mar 2026.",
          "url": "https://www.highland.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/31161/embo_mca_public_notice_29_january_2026.pdf"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-03-01",
          "text": "Further round of views invited after the development partner clarified its intentions (month known, day not).",
          "url": "https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/17112/embo-community-encouraged-to-provide-further-views-on-possible-proposal-for-a-masterplan-consent-area"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-05-14",
          "text": "Council endorses the site at 60 homes.",
          "url": "https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/highland-council-scales-back-masterplan-consent-areas"
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Highland Council, Embo public notice",
          "url": "https://www.highland.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/31161/embo_mca_public_notice_29_january_2026.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Highland Council, development partner clarification",
          "url": "https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/17110/prospective_development_partner_clarifies_intention_for_embo_masterplan_consent_area"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "homes_original": 150,
      "homes_consented": 0,
      "homes_built": 0
    },
    {
      "id": "glasgow-linthouse",
      "authority": "Glasgow City",
      "name": "Linthouse, Govan",
      "site": "Land at Govan Road / Holmfauld Road / Linthouse Road, beside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital",
      "lat": 55.863,
      "lng": -4.335,
      "use": "Health and innovation campus (Clyde Waterfront Innovation Campus, part of GRID)",
      "homes": null,
      "developer": "Council-led",
      "stage": 2,
      "stage_note": "Location plan and consultation events published by the council. Invest Glasgow's 2026 pitchbook says the MCA process on the remainder of the site is 'expected August 2026'.",
      "events": [
        {
          "date": "2025-07-01",
          "text": "Council notifies the Scottish Government of its intention to consider a scheme; funding received (month known, day not).",
          "url": "https://glasgow.gov.uk/article/14192/Masterplan-Consent-Areas"
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Glasgow City Council, Masterplan Consent Areas",
          "url": "https://glasgow.gov.uk/article/14192/Masterplan-Consent-Areas"
        },
        {
          "title": "Invest Glasgow pitchbook 2026, GRID",
          "url": "https://invest-glasgow.foleon.com/igpubs/glasgow-pitchbook/grid"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "id": "east-renfrewshire-barrhead",
      "authority": "East Renfrewshire",
      "name": "Barrhead",
      "site": "Town centre: Main Street, Cross Arthurlie Street, Robertson Street, Dunterlie Park, Muriel Street, Crossmill Business Park, land next to Barrhead Retail Park",
      "lat": 55.801,
      "lng": -4.392,
      "use": "Mixed: housing, shopfront and facade works, industrial land, leisure, public realm",
      "homes": null,
      "developer": "Council-led",
      "stage": 2,
      "stage_note": "Stage 1 engagement report published ('Brighter Barrhead Vision and Plan', from input gathered Feb 2024 to Jul 2025). Council says 'a more refined MCA scheme will be presented for consultation shortly'.",
      "events": [
        {
          "date": "2025-07-31",
          "text": "Stage 1 engagement closes (Feb 2024 to Jul 2025)."
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-02-19",
          "text": "Drop-in consultation event, Barrhead Foundry. Second event 19 Mar 2026.",
          "url": "https://getinvolved.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/barrhead-masterplan-consent-area"
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "East Renfrewshire Council, Barrhead MCA",
          "url": "https://getinvolved.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/barrhead-masterplan-consent-area"
        },
        {
          "title": "Public notice, Barrhead MCA proposal",
          "url": "https://publicnoticeportal.uk/notice/planning/698f03ffbd97ffa7be2c5b60"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "id": "falkirk-grangemouth",
      "authority": "Falkirk",
      "name": "Grangemouth industrial cluster",
      "site": "Grangemouth",
      "lat": 56.02,
      "lng": -3.7,
      "use": "Industrial",
      "homes": null,
      "developer": "None",
      "stage": 0,
      "stage_note": "Pilot study with SEPA testing Outcome Based Collaborative Regulation. Council page still says the regulations are 'not yet in place' and defers any MCA to Local Development Plan 3.",
      "events": [],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Falkirk Council, Masterplan Consent Areas",
          "url": "https://www.falkirk.gov.uk/development-planning/monitoring-and-information/masterplan-consent-areas"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "id": "pkc-binn-ecopark",
      "authority": "Perth and Kinross",
      "name": "Binn Ecopark, Glenfarg",
      "site": "Binn Ecopark",
      "lat": 56.283,
      "lng": -3.373,
      "use": "Industrial / energy",
      "homes": null,
      "developer": "Binn Group (landowner)",
      "stage": 0,
      "stage_note": "'Initial discussions' only. Council page still anticipates the MCA provisions 'being fully in place later in 2024'.",
      "events": [],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Perth and Kinross Council, Masterplan Consent Areas",
          "url": "https://www.pkc.gov.uk/masterplanconsent"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "id": "stirling-durieshill",
      "authority": "Stirling",
      "name": "Durieshill",
      "site": "Durieshill, between Bannockburn and Plean, south of Stirling",
      "lat": 56.075,
      "lng": -3.905,
      "use": "Housing",
      "homes": null,
      "developer": "Barratt / David Wilson Homes (site owner)",
      "stage": 0,
      "stage_note": "Stirling's duty-to-consider statement (a two-page 'Final Draft' dated 8 April 2025) names Durieshill as 'ideal for a more flexible tool'. No scheme has been initiated. The site is being built under its December 2023 detailed planning permission; ground was broken in February 2026.",
      "events": [
        {
          "date": "2025-04-08",
          "text": "'Masterplan Consent Area - Final Draft' statement written, naming Durieshill.",
          "url": "https://www.stirling.gov.uk/media/xl0httwr/masterplan-consent-area-final-draft.docx"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-02-01",
          "text": "Ground broken at Durieshill under the existing planning permission (month known, day not).",
          "url": "https://investinstirling.com/2026/02/delight-as-ground-broken-at-major-durieshill-development/"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-03-11",
          "text": "Statement republished at a new URL; the old page returns 404.",
          "url": "https://www.stirling.gov.uk/planning-and-building-standards/planning/development-planning/planning-guidance/masterplan-consent-area-final-draft/"
        }
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Stirling Council, Masterplan Consent Area - Final Draft (DOCX)",
          "url": "https://www.stirling.gov.uk/media/xl0httwr/masterplan-consent-area-final-draft.docx"
        },
        {
          "title": "Stirling Council, planning guidance page",
          "url": "https://www.stirling.gov.uk/planning-and-building-standards/planning/development-planning/planning-guidance/masterplan-consent-area-final-draft/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Invest in Stirling, ground broken Feb 2026",
          "url": "https://investinstirling.com/2026/02/delight-as-ground-broken-at-major-durieshill-development/"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "homes_note": "Site has detailed permission for over 3,000 homes under an ordinary planning application; none is attributable to an MCA"
    }
  ],
  "authorities": [
    {
      "name": "Aberdeen City",
      "statement": "unknown",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "url": "https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-standards/services/planning-and-building-standards/local-development-plan/aberdeen-local-development-plan/masterplan-consent-areas",
      "note": "A 'Masterplan Consent Areas' page under the Local Development Plan section is indexed by search engines and has a Wayback capture of 24 Apr 2025, but returned HTTP 404 on 26 Aug 2026. Content not read. LDP Scheme 2024 does not mention MCAs."
    },
    {
      "name": "Aberdeenshire",
      "statement": "published",
      "statement_date": "2024-06-27",
      "sites": "None named",
      "url": "https://publications.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/masterplan-consent-areas",
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "name": "Angus",
      "statement": "published",
      "statement_date": "2024-07-24",
      "sites": "None named",
      "url": "https://www.angus.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024-07/20240724%20MCA%20Duty%20to%20Consider.pdf",
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "name": "Argyll and Bute",
      "statement": "published",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "statement_date": "2024-06-17",
      "url": "https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-policy/masterplan-consent-areas",
      "sites": "None named",
      "quote": "As the MCA regulations are not yet in place, the Council has not yet identified or assessed potential locations for which it may be desirable to bringing forward an MCA scheme.",
      "note": "To reconsider within 5 years once regulations are in place and at an appropriate point in monitoring LDP2 (adopted 28 Feb 2024)."
    },
    {
      "name": "Cairngorms National Park",
      "statement": "not found",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "sites": null,
      "note": "No statement found after 9 searches. Nothing on cairngorms.co.uk or in 2024 Planning Committee and Board papers. Planning Committee item 8, 26 Apr 2024 (https://cairngorms.co.uk/uploads/documents/Item8SGPlanningSystemsConsultations.pdf): 'It is not immediately clear that a Masterplan Consent Area will be a tool that would be used in the Cairngorms National Park'."
    },
    {
      "name": "City of Edinburgh",
      "statement": "not found",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "sites": null,
      "note": "No statement found after 13 searches. Nothing on edinburgh.gov.uk planning pages or Planning Committee agendas Apr-Nov 2024. Planning Committee report 24 Apr 2024 on the SG consultations (https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s69189/Item%207.2%20-%20Scottish%20Government%20Consultations%20on%20Development%20Plan%20Regulations%20Masterplan%20Consent%20Are.pdf): 'While the Council may not intend to adopt any MCA sites, there are important issues to be considered along local authority boundaries.'"
    },
    {
      "name": "Clackmannanshire",
      "statement": "published",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "url": "https://www.clacks.gov.uk/property/mpandbriefs/",
      "sites": "None named",
      "quote": "As the MCA regulations are not yet in place, we have not yet identified or assessed potential locations for which it may be desirable to bringing forward an MCA scheme.",
      "note": "Statement is a section of the 'Masterplans and Briefs' page; undated."
    },
    {
      "name": "Dumfries and Galloway",
      "statement": "published",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "url": "https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/planning-building/planning/planning-policy/masterplan-consent-areas",
      "sites": "None named",
      "quote": "We intend to consider whether we would like to make any MCAs as part of the work on the preparation of LDP3.",
      "note": "Defers MCA consideration to LDP3; Evidence Report approved 12 Dec 2024, Proposed LDP3 expected 2026. Page undated; earliest Wayback capture 11 Sep 2025."
    },
    {
      "name": "Dundee City",
      "statement": "published",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "statement_date": "2024-06-10",
      "url": "https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/node/65030",
      "sites": "None named",
      "quote": "As the MCA regulations are not yet in place, the Council have not yet identified or assessed potential locations for which it may be desirable to bringing forward an MCA scheme.",
      "note": "Approved as Appendix 3 of Report 150-2024 at the Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee, 10 Jun 2024 (https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/reports/reports/150-2024.pdf). LDP Delivery Programme Feb 2025 has no MCA reference."
    },
    {
      "name": "East Ayrshire",
      "statement": "published",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "statement_date": "2024-05-29",
      "url": "https://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/PlanningAndTheEnvironment/development-plans-and-policies/ldp2/ldp2-information.aspx",
      "sites": "None named",
      "quote": "On 29 May 2024 Cabinet agreed that we will not pursue an MCA at this point in time, however, this position will be kept under review.",
      "note": "Cabinet report 29 May 2024 gave three reasons for not proceeding: regulations not in force, LDP2 member-officer group had rejected Simplified Planning Zones, LDP3 too early. Position to be reviewed as LDP3 progresses."
    },
    {
      "name": "East Dunbartonshire",
      "statement": "published",
      "sites": "None named",
      "url": "https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/services/a-z-of-services/planning-building-standards/planning-policy/duty-to-periodically-consider-making-masterplan-consent-area-scheme-statement",
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "name": "East Lothian",
      "statement": "published",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "url": "https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/planning-environment-and-building-standards/other-planning-guidance/masterplan-consent-areas",
      "sites": "None named",
      "quote": "We will consider whether it would be desirable to make any Masterplan Consent Areas as part of our work on delivery linked to the Local Development Plan's Delivery Programme.",
      "note": "Page last reviewed 26 Mar 2026 with the 2024 statement unchanged."
    },
    {
      "name": "East Renfrewshire",
      "statement": "published",
      "sites": "Barrhead (scheme in preparation)",
      "url": "https://getinvolved.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/barrhead-masterplan-consent-area",
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "name": "Falkirk",
      "statement": "published",
      "sites": "Grangemouth (pilot study)",
      "url": "https://www.falkirk.gov.uk/development-planning/monitoring-and-information/masterplan-consent-areas",
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "name": "Fife",
      "statement": "published",
      "sites": "None named",
      "url": "https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/planning-and-building2/planning/development-plan-and-planning-guidance/masterplan-consent-areas-notice",
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "name": "Glasgow City",
      "statement": "published",
      "sites": "Linthouse, Govan (scheme in preparation)",
      "url": "https://glasgow.gov.uk/article/14192/Masterplan-Consent-Areas",
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "name": "Highland",
      "statement": "published",
      "sites": "Ardersier, Essich Road, Embo (endorsed); Nairn South, Nairn East, North Kessock West, Alness East, Tain South, Lower Muckovie, Fairways/Welltown of Leys (longlist, not progressed)",
      "url": "https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/178/development_plans",
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "name": "Inverclyde",
      "statement": "not found",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "note": "No statement found after 10 searches. Nothing on planning policy pages, Development Plan Scheme Jan 2024, Planning Board 5 Jun 2024, or Environment & Regeneration Committee May-Oct 2024. Not among the planning-authority respondents to the 2024 regulations consultation.",
      "sites": null
    },
    {
      "name": "Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park",
      "statement": "not found",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "note": "No statement found after 11 searches. Nothing on planning pages, Development Plan Scheme Jan 2026, or Board agendas Jun and Dec 2024.",
      "sites": null
    },
    {
      "name": "Midlothian",
      "statement": "published",
      "statement_date": "2024-07-25",
      "sites": "None named; to be considered in LDP2",
      "url": "https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/205/planning_policy/836/masterplan_consent_areas_mcas",
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "name": "Moray",
      "statement": "not found",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "note": "No statement found after 11 searches. Nothing on LDP pages, Evidence Report Apr 2024, Development Plan Scheme 2025; Planning and Regulatory Services Committee 17 Dec 2024 mentions MCAs only as a Scottish Government early-adopter support item.",
      "sites": null
    },
    {
      "name": "Na h-Eileanan Siar",
      "statement": "not found",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "note": "No statement found after 8 searches. Nothing on cne-siar.gov.uk planning pages or in Sustainable Development Committee reports of 23 Apr 2024 and 24 Sep 2024. A 3 Feb 2026 SDC report on discretionary fees lists 'the recovery of costs relating to the preparation and delivery of Masterplan Consent Area Schemes' as a chargeable service.",
      "sites": null
    },
    {
      "name": "North Ayrshire",
      "statement": "published",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "url": "https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building-standards/ldp/spz",
      "sites": "None named",
      "quote": "As the MCA regulations are not yet in place, we have not yet identified or assessed potential locations for which it may be desirable to bringing forward an MCA scheme.",
      "note": "Statement sits on the Simplified Planning Zone page (Montgomerie Park, Irvine); no publication date. LDP3 Evidence Report (Dec 2025) has no MCA mention."
    },
    {
      "name": "North Lanarkshire",
      "statement": "published",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "statement_date": "2024-07-24",
      "url": "https://northlanarkshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building/development-plans/masterplan-consent-areas",
      "sites": "None named",
      "quote": "As the MCA regulations are not yet in place, we have not yet identified or assessed potential locations for which it may be desirable to bringing forward an MCA scheme within North Lanarkshire.",
      "note": "Will reconsider while preparing the LDP expected to be adopted in 2028. Date is the page's last-updated date."
    },
    {
      "name": "Orkney",
      "statement": "not found",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "note": "No statement found after 8 searches. Nothing on orkney.gov.uk planning pages, Development Plan Scheme 2024/25 or 2026/27, D&I Committee agendas 2023-2025, or LDP Delivery Programme Mar 2025.",
      "sites": null
    },
    {
      "name": "Perth and Kinross",
      "statement": "published",
      "sites": "Binn Ecopark, Glenfarg (initial discussions)",
      "url": "https://www.pkc.gov.uk/masterplanconsent",
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "name": "Renfrewshire",
      "statement": "published",
      "sites": "None named",
      "url": "https://www1.renfrewshire.gov.uk/media/16689/Master-Plan-Consent-Area-Statement-July-2024/pdf/Master_Plan_Consent_Area_Statement_July_2024.pdf",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "note": "PDF titled 'Master Plan Consent Area Statement July 2024', uploaded 24 Jul 2024. Page still carries the 2024 text on 26 Aug 2026.",
      "statement_date": "2024-07-24",
      "quote": "As the MCA regulations are not yet in place, we have not yet identified or assessed potential locations for which it may be desirable to bringing forward an MCA scheme. We intend to reconsider this once the legal basis for preparing MCAs is in place.",
      "page_url": "https://www1.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/13368/Get-involved-in-preparing-the-new-Local-Development-Plan"
    },
    {
      "name": "Scottish Borders",
      "statement": "published",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "url": "https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/plans-guidance/masterplan-consent-areas",
      "sites": "None named",
      "quote": "We have not yet identified or assessed potential locations for which it may be desirable to bring forward a MCA scheme.",
      "note": "Page updated after 5 Dec 2024 (it cites the regulations coming into force); MCAs to be considered in the next LDP."
    },
    {
      "name": "Shetland",
      "statement": "not found",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "note": "No statement found after 8 searches. Nothing on shetland.gov.uk development plan pages or the Development Plan Scheme 2026-27.",
      "sites": null
    },
    {
      "name": "South Ayrshire",
      "statement": "not found",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "note": "No statement found after 10 searches. Site search for the phrase returns only a Scottish Government Chief Planner letter of 26 Jun 2024 attached to a Regulatory Panel paper. Planning, LDP2, SPG and LDP3 pages have no MCA mention.",
      "sites": null
    },
    {
      "name": "South Lanarkshire",
      "statement": "published",
      "sites": "None named",
      "url": "https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200303/climate_change_and_sustainability/2252/development_plans/6",
      "verified": "2026-08-26"
    },
    {
      "name": "Stirling",
      "statement": "published",
      "sites": "Durieshill named as 'ideal for a more flexible tool'",
      "url": "https://www.stirling.gov.uk/media/xl0httwr/masterplan-consent-area-final-draft.docx",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "statement_date": "2025-04-08",
      "quote": "In particular, the site at Durieshill is considered to be ideal for a more flexible tool, wherein the placemaking standards are set, however the complex nature of the application process is streamlined and simplified and we concentrate on the delivery of a good place.",
      "page_url": "https://www.stirling.gov.uk/planning-and-building-standards/planning/development-planning/planning-guidance/masterplan-consent-area-final-draft/",
      "note": "The 2-page 'Final Draft' DOCX (created 8 Apr 2025) is the duty statement itself; no separate July 2024 statement found. Republished at a new URL, page dated first published 11 Mar 2026. No MCA scheme consultation, notice or committee decision found. Durieshill is proceeding under its Dec 2023 detailed planning permission: Barratt/David Wilson Homes bought the site spring 2025, ground broken Feb 2026 (https://investinstirling.com/2026/02/delight-as-ground-broken-at-major-durieshill-development/)."
    },
    {
      "name": "West Dunbartonshire",
      "statement": "published",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "statement_date": "2024-06-05",
      "url": "https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/council/key-council-documents/local-development-planning/masterplan-consent-areas",
      "sites": "None named",
      "quote": "As the Masterplan Consent Area regulations are not yet in place, we have not yet identified or assessed potential locations for which it may be desirable to bringing forward a Masterplan Consent Area scheme.",
      "note": "Statement of Consideration circulated to community councils Aug 2024. To be considered in the LDP Delivery Programme."
    },
    {
      "name": "West Lothian",
      "statement": "published",
      "verified": "2026-08-26",
      "statement_date": "2024-07-23",
      "url": "https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/media/62932/Masterplan-Consent-Area-Scheme-Statement-July-2024/pdf/2024-07-23_-_Letter_to_Scottish_Government_-_West_Lothian_Council_-_First_Masterplan_Consent_Area_St.pdf",
      "sites": "None named",
      "quote": "As the MCA regulations are not yet in place, we have not yet identified or assessed potential locations for which it may be desirable to bringing forward an MCA scheme.",
      "page_url": "https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/article/83079/Masterplan-Consent-Areas-MCAs",
      "note": "Approved by Council Executive 7 May 2024, sent to Scottish Government 23 Jul 2024. To form part of LDP2 preparation; LDP2 examination due Oct 2026, adoption May 2027. MCA page not updated since 17 Sep 2024."
    }
  ],
  "changes": [
    {
      "date": "2026-08-26",
      "text": "First ledger: 8 schemes (3 Highland, Glasgow, East Renfrewshire, Falkirk, Perth and Kinross, Stirling), 12 of 34 authority statements checked, national timeline, Highland FOI archived."
    },
    {
      "date": "2026-08-26",
      "text": "Searched all 22 unchecked authorities for their duty-to-consider statement: 12 found and linked (Argyll and Bute, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee City, East Ayrshire, East Lothian, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Scottish Borders, West Dunbartonshire, West Lothian, plus Renfrewshire's PDF); 9 not found after 8-13 searches each (Cairngorms NPA, City of Edinburgh, Inverclyde, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs NPA, Moray, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Orkney, Shetland, South Ayrshire); Aberdeen City's page has vanished. Stirling's 'Final Draft' located: it is the duty statement and names Durieshill; scheme entry rewritten as Durieshill at stage 0."
    },
    {
      "date": "2026-08-26",
      "text": "Homes section: proposed, planned, consented and built through an MCA, per scheme and in total. Statement table intro now states the legal duty (Schedule 5A paragraphs 5 and 6): publish every five years, no submission to Ministers, no penalty."
    }
  ]
}