Local Development Framework (LDF)

Although the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan will remain the principal planning document until 2011, work has started on introducing new planning documents for North Somerset under the Local Development Framework (LDF).

The LDF will set out how future planning will be carried out in the district.  It will be made up of a portfolio of documents including:

These will be statutory and will include:

• Core strategy DPD – the main DPD setting out the long-term spatial vision for the area and the policies needed to deliver this vision
• Site Allocations DPD- identifying the sites which are proposed for development. Work has recently commenced on this document and a call for sites made.
• Development Management DPD - sets out detailed policies that will guide development management decisions on planning applications.
• Area Action Plan DPD – for Weston Town Centre and Gateway Area gives more detail for these areas where significant change will occur.
• Gypsy and Travellers Sites Allocations Development Plan Document

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)

These are non-statutory and include detailed guidance on specific issues or sites. SPDs expand on the statutory policies. SPD’s have been prepared for:

• Affordable housing
• Dolphin Square in Weston-super-Mare
• Housing in Defined Villages

And will be prepared for:

• Development Contributions
• Weston Regeneration Area

Process management documents

• Local Development Scheme (LDS) – sets out which LDD documents will be prepared for North Somerset and the timetable for putting them together.

• Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) - details how the public can influence and comment on planning applications and documents being prepared in the Local Development Framework.
• Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) - reports on progress of the Local Development Framework and monitors the impact of planning policies.
• Sustainability Appraisals (SA) - each document has to be assessed to make sure it will contribute to sustainable development.

Consultations

The Core Strategy Consultation Draft (2009) was consulted upon between November and February 2010.

There are currently no consultations taking place under the Local Development Framework.

For more information contact our Planning Policy team.