Planning policy

Local Development Framework

The Local Development Framework (LDF) will replace the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) with Development Plan Documents (DPDs). The DPDs have development plan status, similar to the existing UDP, and are subject to independent examination before an Inspector.

The Core Strategy, which is part of the LDF, is the strategic policy document and was adopted in April 2009. It outlines the Vision, Spatial Strategy and 20 Core Planning Policies on topics such as climate change, housing, employment and retailing.

The Development Management Plan is also part of the LDF and was adopted on 1 November 2011. It builds on the Core Strategy and includes more detailed policies for the management of development.

Supplementary Planning Documents and Guidance

A series of Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) have been produced by the Council to provide greater detail on policies within the UDP and LDF to support decisions on planning applications.

Since 2004, SPGs have been replaced with SPDs, which are now part of the Local Development Framework (LDF). SPDs are not examined by an Inspector, but they are subject to a process of consultation and engagement with relevant parties. Although the Council no longer produces SPGs, they remain material considerations in planning decisions.

See more about Supplementary Planning Documents and Guidance.

Unitary Development Plan

The Unitary Development Plan (UDP) is gradually replaced by the Local Development Framework. As of November 2011, all policies contained within the UDP, with the exception of the UDP proposal sites and the policy on waste collection and disposal, have been superseded by the above mentioned LDF documents.