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Local Development Framework

New legislation under the Planning and Compensation Act 2004 has now changed the system of Development Plans and their preparation. The Act came into force in September 2004 but plans already under preparation under the old system can continue but must be replaced within 3 years of their adoption.

Under the new planning system Structure Plans and Local Plans will be replaced by a portfolio of planning documents called the Local Development Framework. Once adopted the Bath & North East Somerset Local Plan will be saved until 2010 as part of the Local Development Framework.

Local Development Frameworks (LDFs) comprise various local planning policy documents. These are:

Development Plan Documents that have been subject to independent examination and have the weight of development plan status as defined by Section 38(6) of the Act;
Supplementary Planning Documents, which are not subject to independent examination and do not have development plan status. However, they will be subject to rigorous procedures of community involvement and sustainability appraisal and can constitute a material consideration in respect of decision-making.

For further information the National Planning Portal's visual guide to Local Development Frameworks introduces and explains the importance and role of each Development Plan Document.

Development Plan Documents

Development Plan Documents (DPDs) which Bath & North East Somerset Council will be producing (2007-2010) are as follows:

Core Strategy
Site Allocations Development Plan Document;
Joint Waste Core Strategy DPD;
Proposals Map.

Supplementary Planning Documents

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) adopted by Bath & North East Somerset Council. Please see the Local Development Scheme for details on SPDs that are planned to be produced or below for details of draft SPDs currently out for consultation.

Current Consultations on Supplementary Planning Documents

Draft Planning Obligations SPD

Consultation period for the Planning Obligations SPD has closed. It is anticipated that the adoption of the Planning Obligations SPD will be discussed at Cabinet in July.

Evidence Base

The Bath & North East Somerset Local Development Framework (LDF) incorporating the Core Strategy and relevant content from the associated Regeneration Delivery Plans (RDPs) will have major effects on the District. It is therefore essential that the policy framework is based on a robust evidence base. A number of topic based studies have been undertaken and others are in preparation.

Local Development Framework Updates

If you would like to be kept upto date with the latest involvement and consultation events, adoption of LDF planning documents or any other important news relating to Bath and North East Somerset's Local Development Framework, join our LDF consultation database.

To join the LDF consultation database E-mail planning_policy@bathnes.gov.uk or phone 01225 477548 and give your details.

Local Development Framework Update Newsletter - August 2008 (PDF- 300kb)

Please note- the A46/A36 link road is illustrated on the diagram on page 2 of the Local Development Framework Update. Please note that the link road scheme represents one of a range of measures that need to be reviewed in looking at potential improvements to the transport network to help support growth at Bath. The scheme is not committed and there is currently no programme for its implementation.

The link to the Goverment Office for the South West Website listed on the Newsletter PDF is incorrect. The correct address is www.gosw.gov.uk

Bath & North East Somerset Council