Local planning policy
Before the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, district and borough councils (and for minerals and waste, county councils) were responsible for preparing local plans which conformed to the broad framework of policies set out in the Structure Plan.
Under the new system:
- local plans are being replaced by local development frameworks (LDF)
- waste local plans and minerals local plans are being replaced by waste and minerals development frameworks (WMDF).
There are changeover arrangements in place where structure plans, local plans and specific policies in them can be 'saved'. This means they continue to be part of the development plan for the saved period or until they are replaced by a new type of plan.
WMDF and LDF will contain:
- Development Plan Documents (DPDs)
These include a core strategy, site specific allocations, and a proposals map.
- Supplementary Planning Documents
These expand policies set out in DPDs or provide more detail, they are not part of the development plan but may be used to guide decision making.
- Minerals and Waste or Local Development Scheme
This sets out the programme for the production of the various documents in the WMDF or LDF.
- Statement of Community Involvement
This sets out how the local authority will consult the community in the preparation of all WMDF or LDF documents and on planning applications.
- Sustainability Appraisal
Sustainability Appraisals (SAs) are carried out to assess whether proposed plans and policies meet sustainable development objectives.
- Annual Monitoring Report
This sets out the progress made in producing WMDF or LDF documents and in implementing policies.
As part of the development plan, DPDs must be consistent with the regional spatial strategy and will be subject to an independent examination. After the examination, the independent planning inspector produces a report recommending the changes the local planning authority must make.
Find out more about our waste and minerals plans.
