Local Plan

What is it?

You can think of a Local Plan as a portfolio of documents comprising three different types of Local Development Document (LDD).

• Development Plan Documents (DPD) - this must include a Core Strategy which is the principal DPD. Other types of DPD can be prepared as appropriate, examples include Site Allocation DPD's and Area Action Plans.
• Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) - these add detail to policies within DPDs and can be prepared as appropriate. Examples include Developer Contribution and Design SPD's
• Supporting Documents - comprising Local Development Scheme and Statement of Community Involvement.

At the heart of the Local Plan is the Core Strategy DPD, which sets out a long-term vision and spatial strategy for a local authority area.

The Local Plan provides the flexibility to allow the policies and proposals to evolve in relation to needs, and to update parts as required. Community involvement throughout is a key feature. You can use the links below to find out more about Local Plan's.

Why is it needed?

A Local Plan is set of documents that will guide planning and development in an area. It will replace old style local plans and provide an up-to-date framework of policies that can be used to make decisions on planning applications.

What does it need to reflect?

A Local Plan must be in accordance with national planning policy and will also need to be in general conformity with Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS) whilst they still form part of the development plan.

A number of key changes have already been made to the development planning system and national planning policy with further proposed through the emerging Localism Bill and draft National Planning Policy Framework. The |Communities and Local Government (CLG) website provides up-to-date information on these emerging changes.

What is Sustainability Appraisal / Strategic Environmental Assessment?

Sustainability Appraisal / Strategic Environmental Assessment (SA/SEA) is required for all DPD's and SPD's. The achievement of sustainable development is central to national planning policy and as a result Government has introduced the process of SA as a method to test the sustainability of planning documents. Local authorities are also required to conduct an SEA in accordance with European legislation. Although the requirements for carrying out SA and SEA differ, both are satisfied through the SA process.

SA/SEA ensures that social, environmental and economic concerns are addressed and fully integrated into the production of a document and that a balance of these issues is achieved as far as possible.

More information is provided in the |Sustainability Appraisal Information Leaflet and on the |Communities and Local Government website.