Development Management Zones designated in the Argyll and Bute adopted Local Development Plan 2015. For the purposes of this plan the term settlement applies to the following development management zones: main towns and key settlements; key rural settlements, villages and minor settlements.
Main towns are the settlements of Campbeltown, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Lochgilphead/Ardrishaig, Oban and Rothesay; the main towns constitute a development management zone wherein there is a general capacity to successfully absorb small, medium and large scale development.
Key settlements is the collective term for six small towns and villages where the Argyll and Bute LDP seeks to focus employment-led investment and to concentrate larger scales of development opportunity.
Key rural settlements is the collective name for 27 small settlements that offer a range of services and some potential for up to medium scale growth including delivery by masterplans or community led action.
Villages and Minor Settlements are small, generally compact settlements containing at least 6 dwelling houses that constitute a development management zone wherein there is a general capacity to successfully absorb only small scale development.