Contact:
  • Planning Policy
  • Address:

    Trimbridge House, Trim Street, Bath, BA1 2DP

  • E-mail:
    planning_policy@bathnes.gov.uk
  • Telephone:
     01225 477548
  • Fax:
     01225 477641
  • Minicom:
     -
  • Page Updated:
    19/09/2008
  • Author:
    Cleo Newcombe-Jones
A to Z Index

Local Development Framework

Local Development Framework Folder

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.

August 2008 Newsletter- Local Development Framework Update August 2008 (PDF- 300kb) Please note: The link to the Goverment Office for the South West Website listed on the PDF is incorrect. The correct address is www.gosw.gov.uk  

Sustainable Construction Checklist

Link to guidance on sustainable construction and voluntary checklist to be submitted alongside full or outline planning applications.