What is a Local Plan?
If you missed it on the previous page, Local Plans are statutory documents which identify sites for development and contain planning policies. Planning policies set out the design principles and requirements that development should follow. They are used to shape, guide, encourage or control development.
Local Plans usually cover a period of 15 to 20 years and have a defined geographical area. Once adopted, the Local Plan is the main tool used to determine local planning applications.
The legal bit
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires all Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to a have Local Plan.
Plans must be prepared in accordance with the relevant legislation, notably the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.
Before it is adopted the public and relevant organisations are consulted on the emerging Plan. First, alternative policies and sites (or options) are presented in an Options Document. This is followed by the draft Local Plan which sets out the Council’s proposed policies and sites. The consultation process is regulated by Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.
Following consultation, the Local Plan is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for examination. During the examination the Planning Inspector will assess the soundness of the Plan to make sure it is robust and justified.
What does a Local Plan cover?
Local Plans contain policies which look to shape, guide, encourage or control development. The policies in the emerging Plan will cover a range of topics, including but not limited to:
Neighbourhood Plans
Introduced in 2012, local communities can prepare Neighbourhood Plans to shape development and determine planning applications within their local area.
If adopted Neighbourhood Plans become statutory planning documents.
Supplementary Planning Documents
Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) provide additional detail and guidance on the Local Plan. Unlike Local Plans or Neighbourhood Plans, SPDs are not statutory documents but can significantly influence planning decisions
Further your understanding
You can find out more about the B&NES planning policy and the UK planning system by following the links below
National Planning Policy Framework
Planning Inspectorate - Local Plan playlist
Plain English Guide to the Planning System
Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004
Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012