South Hams District Council is producing a template that is designed to help communities, developers and landowners through the process of bringing a site forward for development. It is intended that the document will be used in a number of situations. The principles that it establishes can be transferred to a range of proposals. The document will be an important tool for delivering sites within the recently adopted Site Allocation Development Plan Documents (DPDs). Many of the proposals require a masterplan or development brief to be approved by the Council. However, this does not exclude other sites from progressing a masterplan or development brief if all parties are in agreement. Another example where the template may be used would be to facilitate a site under the Village Housing Initiative (VHI).
The document is designed to clearly set out the stages that we anticipate schemes going through to the point of submitting an application. It also provides links to lots of useful web pages that may help you through the process or provide you with further information.
Each site that comes forward for development will have its own set of opportunities and challenges. Although the template clearly sets out stages of the process, there is also an element of flexibility, so that each community can decide what is appropriate and necessary for the proposed scheme in their area.
The Council is continuing to work on the document to ensure that it is up to date and fit for purpose. We received a number of comments during our previous consultation and we will endeavour to take these on board as we continue to work on further guidance.
The latest version of the document can be viewed below.
For further information, please contact the Council's Strategic Planning Team on 01803 861202 or forward.planning@southhams.gov.uk
