At local government level, development plans lie at the heart of the planning system. They are intended to provide a clear vision of how our places should develop, and are the core documents against which planning applications are assessed for determination. Development planning is a consultative process which involves a range of interests, includes strategic environmental assessment and results in a plan for local development.
Under the current planning system, a development plan is made up of two parts: the structure plan and the local plan. Between them they show how much development may take place, where it will take place and where it is unlikely to be allowed.
- Structure plans - The structure plan for an area takes a long-term view of development, considering its general scale and, broadly, where it should be located. Each council will prepare a structure plan, either alone or working with neighbouring councils. After there has been wide consultation with the public and other interested people and organisations, the council submits a structure plan to us for approval.
- Local plans - Local plans are usually for smaller areas. They set out more detailed policies and proposals to guide development. Again, councils must consult widely on the content of a local plan. After considering all views and objections and making suitable changes, councils will adopt the local plan as the basis for their decision making in the area. They cannot do this if the local plan is not in line with the approved structure plan.
Development plans are the basis for decisions on planning applications. They contain policies for the future development and use of land in an area. Plans can cover a wide range of issues such as housing, transport, employment, shopping, recreation and conserving and protecting the countryside.
Progress on development plans is provided by each planning authority