Fife Council has become Scotland's first local authority to approve an Evidence Report.

The report is the first stage in preparing a Local Development Plan which brings together information and data to have a better understanding of the issues the county faces today.

These range from climate change implications to infrastructure limitations and foreseeable housing requirements.

The next stage of the report, the Proposed Plan, will set out where development should and should not go, how Fife’s places should change, and local policies to shape that change.

Councillor Altany Craik, spokesperson for Finance, Economy, and Strategic Planning, said: "The analysis of the current issues in Fife will allow us to create a Local Development Plan which addresses the land use needs for Fife and help to build a fairer, future Fife.

"Taking this step demonstrates the emphasis that we are placing on ensuring Fife is full of thriving places, which will provide opportunities for all of our communities.

"We look forward to hearing the Scottish Government response to our Evidence Report, and to preparing our new Local Development Plan over the coming years, during which there will be opportunities for community engagement."

Following the approval, the report will be forwarded to the Scottish Government.

A representative of the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division will then determine whether it contains sufficient information for Fife to prepare its new Local Development Plan.

The report is expected to be completed by autumn 2027.