These web pages provide information on the development framework which the Council is required to produce to ensure the delivery of sustainable development across the South Hams. This framework is made up of the South Hams Local Plan, its draft review and work to replace it with a Local Development Framework under the Government's new planning system.

These pages include the Adopted Local Plan, Draft Local Plan Review and the first Local Development Framework documents which provide guidance on what kind of development and use of land will and will not be permitted in the South Hams.

The local plan/local development framework (LDF) guides and informs day to day decisions as to whether or not planning permission should be granted and is a principal tool for the Council's exercise of its development control function. In order to ensure that decisions are rational and consistent, they must be considered against the local plan/LDF and other material factors.