What changes have happened to the planning system?
The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 sets out the Government's reforms to the planning system. The Act requires all local planning authorities to produce a Local Development Framework. The South Hams Local Development Framework (LDF) will gradually replace the 1996 adopted Local Plan for the district.
How will the Local Development Framework (LDF) be different to the Local Plan?
The South Hams LDF will consist of an open portfolio of documents, each a lot shorter and more concise than previous development plan documents. The LDF will build around three particular themes:
- Sustainable Development,
- A Spatial Planning approach, and
- Community Involvement in planning
An important difference will be that individual documents can be reviewed separately, speeding up the process. The Government’s ultimate intention is to create a ‘clearer, faster and more certain’ system.
Is it true that there will be a stronger regional dimension?
Structure Plans, currently prepared by County Councils, will be abolished (although they will still be responsible for publishing minerals and waste local plans). Strategic policy will now be provided by regional bodies, which will be focused and specific to regional needs. In the South West, the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy is being prepared by the South West Regional Assembly.
What will be included in a Local Development Framework (LDF)?
An LDF will be made up of a series of documents that will deliver the spatial planning strategy for the district. This suite of documents will include:
- Local Development Scheme (LDS): sets out a project plan detailing what is being produced, in what order and by when. It will also detail when periods of public consultation are planned.
- Statement of Community Involvement (SCI): sets out the manner in which the Council intends to engage local communities in the production of LDF documents.
- Core Strategy: sets out the Council's long-term vision and strategy in promoting and controlling development.
- Core Policies: details generic policies that will apply throughout the District.
- Proposals Map: illustrates the policies and proposals graphically.
- Site Specific Allocations: setting out allocations for land that cover certain parts of the District for specific uses or types of development.
- Area Action Plans: plans for specific areas in the District earmarked for regeneration or growth.
What plan is in force now?
Planning decisions must be based on relevant up to date policies and guidance at national, regional and local levels. National and regional policies may be relevant, along with the approved Devon Structure Plan. At the local level, the 1996 adopted Local Plan still applies at the moment. Planning decisions will be judged against it's policies unless they have been superceded at a national or regional level. The 2002 draft Local Plan Review is also a material consideration, although the weight attached to any of its policies will depend upon how much objection was received. The new Local Development Framework (LDF) documents will gradually replace both the 1996 adopted and the 2002 draft review local plans.
How will Sustainability be ensured?
Each Local Development Document (LDD) will require a sustainability appraisal to check that its policies promote environmental, social and economic objectives. The findings of each Sustainability Appraisal will be published alongside each LDD.
How will the Community be consulted?
A central theme of the Local Development Framework (LDF) is public consultation, engagement and involvement. All Local Development Documents (LDDs) are timetabled for two periods of formal public consultation, followed by an independent examination by a planning inspector before final adoption (see the Local Development Scheme for more details). Consultation periods will also be advertised in the local press, on the Council website and by other means where appropriate. In all periods of consultation we will welcome comments from all sections of the community. For further information see the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement.
