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
The 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 DPD;
- Proposals Map.
Supplementary Planning Documents
The Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) which Bath &
North East Somerset Council will be producing (2007-2010) are as
follows:
Evidence Base
Bath & North East Somerset Council is undertaking a
Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment
(SHLAA) as required by Planning Policy Statement 3:
Housing (PPS3). The assessment will form a key part of the
evidence base to the Local Development Framework (LDF). The purpose
of the SHLAA is to identify opportunities for meeting housing
requirement in the district.
Sustainability Appraisal
Local planning authorities must undertake Sustainability
Appraisals (incorporating the requirements of the SEA Directive)
throughout the preparation process of DPDs and SPDs.
Sustainability
Appraisal webpage.
Other important documents
The following documents are also a part of the Local
Development Framework include:
The Statement of Community Involvement
specifies how members of the community can get involved in the
preparation of local planning policy documents and in the
consideration of planning applications in Bath & North East
Somerset. Bath & North East Somerset’s Statement of
Community Involvement was adopted by the Council in October
2007.
The
Local Development Scheme 2007 - 2010 (PDF
457kb) setting out details of each of the local
development documents to be produced and the time scales and
arrangements for production for a 3 year period. Please note,
the LDS timetable is likely to be affected by the changes in
legislation recommended by the Planning White Paper. Please check
the latest timetable with the Planning Policy Team.
Key changes in the LDS relate to:
- Core Strategy - a broad options consultation
in Autumn 2008 instead of the preferred options consultation
in June-July 2008
- Developer Contributions SPD - Public
consultation will follow consideration by Council Cabinet
(scheduled to be reported to meeting in July 2008)
- Affordable Housing SPD - incorporated into the
Developer Contributions SPD
- BWR SPD - adoption in March 2008
- Allocations DPD - review of timetable in light
of Planning White Paper underway
An Annual Monitoring
Report, setting out progress in terms of producing
local development documents and implementing policies.
