Local Plans
We are able to offer a range of advice and services on matters relating to development plans, including representations and Call-for Sites submissions
Local Plans
Councils must prepare a Local Plan which sets out the planning policies for their area. Local Plans are an important consideration when determining planning applications.
Independent planning inspectors must look at all Local Plan documents that a local authority prepares. This public examination is the last stage of the process for producing a Local Plan. The process should involve everyone who has an interest in the document and everyone should have had the chance to comment.
Plan preparation is a fairly lengthy process and there are several opportunities during the plan preparation process when interested parties can contribute with comments and submissions.
Local Plans set out the strategic priorities for development of an area and cover housing, commercial, public and private development, including transport infrastructure, along with policies for the protection of the local environment. Local Plans should set out clear guidance on what development will and will not be permitted in your area.
The Local Plan should plan positively for the development and infrastructure that local communities need, setting out the strategic priorities for the area. This would typically include policies to deliver: housing, including affordable homes; retail, leisure and other commercial development; education, health, and community facilities; protection and enhancement of the natural, built and historic environment, including landscape, open space, and listed buildings;
Local Plans once prepared will typically cover a time period of 20 years, although it is quite common for plans to be revised and updated on a regular basis - generally every 5 years.
As well as the formal plan preparation process, there are opportunities to influence the plan making process, through submissions to;
- Strategy Housing Land Availability Assessments (SHLAA’s)
- Call for Sites consultation exercises
Parish and Town Councils are also able to prepare Neighbourhood Plans. Such plans, which should support the strategic development needs set out in the Local Plan, once adopted, will be used as the basis for determining applications in the locality concerned.
If you are a landowner with land you consider has future development potential, we are able to advise you on how the land may best be promoted through the Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan processes.
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If you have a Local Plan or Neighbourhood Plan enquiry of any sort. Contact us
