The Core Strategy is an important document in the South Hams Local Development Framework (LDF). It contains the planning vision and strategy for the district. It also sets out overall levels of new housing and employment land for the South Hams over the period 2001-2016 and explains the Council’s preferred general distribution of that development. The Council published a Core Strategy and Policies, Issues and Preferred Options report – “The Strategy” – for comment in October 2004. The document was available for comment over a six week period. The Council has advanced the Core Strategy as a key priority LDF document and it published a Preferred Options report in June 2005 which was also available for comment (24th June-5th August 2005).
The Council produced the Submission version of the Core Strategy in January 2006 and representations could be made on this document over a six week period (31st January - 14th March 2006). An independent examination into the soundness of the Core Strategy was held in July 2006. The details of the examination and the Inspector's Report can be viewed via the link in the left hand margin.
The Inspector's Report on the Core Strategy was received by the Council in November 2006. The changes to the submission version of the Core Strategy, specified in the report, are binding on the Council. The Council resolved to adopt the Core Strategy on 21st December 2006.
Adopted Core Strategy (December 2006)
Core Strategy Adoption Statement
Core Strategy Annex 1: Statement of Sustainability and Consultation
Core Strategy Inspector's Report
Core Strategy Inspector's Report Covering Letter
Core Strategy: Submission Stage Report (January 2006)
Core Strategy: Preferred Options Report (June 2005)
Core Strategy and Policies, Issues and Preferred Options Report - "The Strategy"(October 2004)
Erratum to Core Strategy Submission Stage Report
Erratum to the Core Strategy Submission Stage Report (March 2006)
Sustainability Appraisal
The Core Strategy has been subject to a Sustainability Appraisal (SA), incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), at several stages during its preparation. A Sustainability Appraisal Report accompanies the Core Strategy Submission Stage document which sets out the findings of the SA.
In his report, the Inspector found the Core Strategy "sound", and considered that no further amendments to the SA report were required. Therefore the final SA report reflects the appraisal at Submission Stage.
View the final Sustainability Appraisal Report of the Core Strategy:
Evidence Base
View the Evidence Base which consists of a range of studies that support the Adopted Core Strategy.
Supporting Documents
Regulation 28 Statement – this sets out the details of the two previous consultations on the Core Strategy, at Issues and Options, and Preferred Options stages. It includes details of who was consulted, how they were consulted, a summary of main comments received and how these have been addressed in the Submitted Core Strategy.
Regulation 31 Statement - this sets out the detail of the Core Strategy Submission stage consultation process. It includes details of who was consulted, how they were consulted and a summary of main comments received.
How can I view a copy of the Adopted Core Strategy?
The Core Strategy can be viewed by using the links above. The document is also available for public inspection at the Council offices, Follaton House, Totnes on Monday–Thursday 08:30–17:00 and Friday 08:30–16:30; at the local district libraries and at Plympton and Plymstock libraries.
The Adopted Core Strategy report is also available to purchase from the Forward Planning Team, at a cost of £5 (incl. P&P). If you wish to purchase a copy please telephone: 01803 861234.
