Local development framework

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A Local Development Framework is the spatial planning strategy introduced in England and Wales by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and given detail in Planning Policy Statements 12. In most parts of the two countries, maintaining the framework is the responsibility of English District Councils and Welsh Principal Area Councils.

Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Development Frameworks commonly abbreviated as PPS 12, is a document produced by the British Government that sets out the Government's policy on the preparation of Local Development Documents which will comprise the local development framework. The current version was introduced in September 2004.

The Local Development Framework replaces the previous system of county level Structure Plans and district level Local Plans, and Unitary Development Plans for Unitary authorities.

The previous system was perceived as being too inflexible and difficult to change in a timely manner. The Local Development Framework system is intended to improve this situation by replacing the Old Plans with a new portfolio of documents (Local Development Documents) that can be tailored to suit the different needs of a particular area and can be easily updated.

The Frameworks will be prepared within a Regional Spatial Strategy prepared for each Region by the Secretary of State (specifically the Deputy Prime Minister). Local Development Framework are required to have regard to the Regional Spatial Strategy.

Composition

Each Framework will be a folder containing a number of inter-related documents:

Compulsory Documents

Optional Documents

Key Government Aims

  1. Flexibility
  2. Strengthening community and Stakeholder involvement
  3. Front Loading - Local Authorities to take key decisions early in the preparation of local development documents.
  4. Sustainability appraisal
  5. Programme management
  6. Soundness - Local development documents must be soundly based in terms of their content and the process by which they are produced. The must also be based upon a robust, credible evidence base.

Relation

The Local Development Framework, together with the Regional Spatial Strategy will provide the essential framework for planning in the local authorities area.

See also