Development plan document

A Local Development Framework must include Development Plan Documents (DPDs) which outline the key development goals of the Local Development Framework.

These Include:-

• Core Strategy
• Site-Specific Allocations of land
• Adopted Proposals Map

They may also contain additional optional development documents such as Area Action Plans and Supplementary Planning Documents.

Development Plan Documents are subject to rigorous procedures of community involvement, consultation and independent examination. Once adopted, Development Control decisions must be made in accordance with the DPDs unless material considerations indicate otherwise. DPDs are also subject to a Sustainability Appraisal to ensure economic, environmental and social effects of the plan are in line with sustainable development targets.

Legal Requirements of all Development Plan Documents[1]

They should be prepared in accordance with the Local Development Scheme and should have regard to:-

• National policies and advice contained in guidance issued by the Secretary of State, Planning Policy Guidance Notes, Planning Policy Statements etc.
• The RSS for the region in which the area of the authority is situated, if the area is outside Greater London. Also the RSS for any region which adjoins the area of the authority or the Wales Spatial Plan if any part of the authority's area adjoins Wales
• The Spatial development strategy if the authority is London borough or if any part of the authority's area adjoins Greater London
• The Community strategy prepared by the authority and also any other authority whose area comprises any part of the area of the Local Planning Authority
• Any other Local Development DocumentS which has been adopted by the authority
• The resources likely to be available for implementing the proposals in the document
• Such other matters as the Secretary of State prescribes.
• They should comply with the Statement of Community Involvement (once the statement is adopted)
• The Local Planning Authority must appraise the sustainability of each Development Plan Document and report the findings.