Local development framework

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.

The Local Development Framework replaces the previous system of county level structure plans and district level local plans, with unitary development plans for Unitary authorities.

The Frameworks will be prepared within a Regional Spatial Strategy prepared for each Region by the Secretary of State (specifically the Deputy Prime Minister).

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

the core strategy - a written statement of the core policies for delivering the spatial strategy and vision for the area, including a statement of community involvement.
area action plans for key areas of change or conservation
a proposals section setting out details of any site-specific policies outside of the area action plans

Key Aims

Flexibility
Strengthening community and Stakeholder involvement
Front Loading - Local Authorities to take key decisions early in the preparation of local development documents.
Sustainability appraisal
Programme management
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.

Composition

Local development framework will be comprised of Local Development Documents, which include Development Plan Documents, that are part of the Statutory Development Plan and Supplementary Planning Documents (which expand policies set out in a development plan document or provide additional detail).
It will also include:-

Statement of Community Involvement
The Local Development Scheme
The Annual Monitoring Report
Any Local Development Orders or Simplified Planning Zones which have been adopted.

Relation

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