Consultation starts this week on Argyll and Bute Council's Proposed Local Development Plan. It's a 12-week process.

Why is that important? The Scottish planning system requires that land-use decisions should be 'plan-led'. This new plan won't come into effect for a while, but when it does it should be the bedrock of development decisions affecting Helensburgh, along with the law and Scottish Planning Policy. Until then, the present plan essentially serves that purpose.

Although politicians make final decisions, these plans have a foundation of research evidence, experience, policy and democratic procedures. They may sometimes contain imprecise or contentious points, but, if well-prepared, they should be the best protection the public has against harmful developments.

Might I use your column to explain how the Helensburgh Green Belt Group responds? The Scottish Government makes clear that Green Belts exist to help ensure that development happens at the most appropriate places. For more than 20 years we have regarded the plan as our fundamental reference point when assessing planning applications. That provides consistency and makes more credible any stance we may take on a planning application as long as the plan is sound. We therefore value the plan, though we are likely to have suggestions in the current consultation for the new plan.

We also avoid alliances with developers which might influence our judgement about the town's setting and long-term welfare.

The need for a sensitive development plan and respect for it mean that the Green Belt Group will examine the proposed plan, will respond and will report key aspects of our views publicly.

Alastair Macbeth (Chairman, Green Belt Group)