Local Development Frameworks

Local planning authorities are required to produce a Local Development Framework (LDF).  These replace Structure and Local Plans currently prepared by local planning authorities.  LDF’s comprise a series of documents including a Core Strategy, Area Action Plans for areas of change or conservation and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD).  The Core Strategy and Area Action Plans have statutory ‘development plan’ status.     

LDF Core Strategies

Will be central in planning for GI provision.  Elements already highlighted in the RSS should be incorporated.  With influence all four UA Core strategies should have GI, landscape, biodiversity and sustainable transport policies.  Presently (2006) all four UA have just deposited draft local plans for approval and so the LDF process will be staggered over the next 4-5 years and although the logical progression will be to write the core strategy first this is not necessarily the case and several authorities have already prepared SPD’s.   

LDF Area Action Plans

These are detailed plans based on large-scale development.  To date only NSC have prepared such a document, which is for development around Weston-super-Mare.    

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD’s)

These replace former Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG’s); all authorities have different SPD’s in progress including one on Biodiversity and Trees, and Open Spaces.  It may be advantageous to develop GI SPD in the future.   

Local Strategic Partnerships (LSP's)

These are local partnerships that prepare community strategies, provide a forum through which service providers can collaborate to meet local priorities, help to develop and deliver local public service agreements and local neighbourhood renewal strategies.    

Community Strategies

District and county authorities have a duty to prepare Community Strategies under the Local Government Act 2000.  These identify the needs and aspirations of local communities and opportunities for realising them.  

Unitary Authority Biodiversity Action Plans

LBAP processes are expected to form part of the Community Strategy and each Unitary Authority is developing means to achieve local BAP targets.   

Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP)

This process is now being integrated into the LTP process and local authorities will be expected to include a short report on their RoWIP in their next LTP.