Local Development Framework - Introduction
The planning system has recently undergone significant change, intended to simplify the local planning process and promote a more flexible, positive approach to managing development. The new system also places more emphasis on community involvement in the planning process.
A plan-led system operates in England, involving the preparation of plans by the local planning authority that set out what can be built and where. Under the new planning system, the Council is required to prepare a Local Development Framework (LDF), a folder of Local Development Documents (LDDs) that set out how the local area may change over the next few years.
This new system of a flexible 'folder' of LDDs is intended to make plan preparation quicker and more responsive to changes in national/regional policy and local circumstances.
The LDF will in effect replace the Unitary Development Plan. Under the transitional arrangements of the new planning system, the policies of the Unitary Development Plan (adopted in June 2006) will be 'saved' for a 3 year period. The Council will be expected to work towards its replacement by the LDF over that period.
Local Development Documents
The following LDDs will make up the Wolverhampton Local Developement Framework:
Local Development Scheme (LDS)
The Local Development Scheme provides a list of what LDDs are to be included in the LDF and a timetable for their production. The LDS timetable also tells you when you can get involved in shaping emerging documents.
Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)
The Statement of Community Involvement will set out how the local community can get involved in the preparation of LDDs and in the consideration of planning applications.
Development Plan Documents (DPDs)
These documents will include the following elements:
- a 'Core strategy', setting out the long term vision for the area and the strategic policies required to deliver that vision
- 'Site Specific Allocations of Land' for a variety of uses (such as housing and employment), including policies relating to the delivery of specific allocations
- a 'Proposals Map', illustrating the geographical extent of the policies
- 'Area Action Plans' for key areas of change or conservation (where needed).
Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)
These documents may cover a range of issues, both theme based and site specific, which provide further detail to policies within a DPD (for example design guides, development briefs or documents providing more information on a particular issue such as affordable housing).
All of the documents mentioned above must take into account a number of important and overarching issues. These include the environment, sustainability, equality and the needs and aspirations of the local community.
Examination and Monitoring
The SCI and DPDs will be examined by independent inspectors from the Government. Everyone will have an opportunity to comment on the draft documents.
The Council will also produce an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) to monitor the progress made on preparing the LDDs.
For more information on Local Development Frameworks contact the Planning Policy and Area Plans team or visit the website for the Department for Communities and Local Government. The Government's policy on how to prepare a LDF is set out in Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Development Frameworks.