The first step in preparing the LDF is to consider the range of issues which should be addressed and different options for tackling them.

To help people think about this, we have prepared an Issues and Options Report, together with a Summary Report.  Their purpose is to:

• set out the national, regional and local context for preparing the LDF;
• provide background information on a range of topics and issues;
• pose a series of questions to which you are invited to respond;
• tell you how to comment and what will happen next.

Copies of these reports, together with a Comments Form, can be viewed and downloaded by clicking on the relevant link in the right hand column.  They are also available to view at Council offices and main libraries and copies can be obtained free of charge from the Spatial Policy Group.

The reports set out the issues and questions which we think are important, but we are keen to hear your views.  You may think that other issues are of more concern to you or your organisation and need to be addressed, if so, let us know.

Details of how to submit comments are set out in the Introduction section of the reports.

To ensure that the LDF is sustainable, it must comply with the new EU Directive on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and fulfil the Government's intentions for Sustainability Appraisal (SA).  To meet these requirements an Initial Sustainability Appraisal of the Issues and Options Report has been carried out.  This looks at the various options being put forward against a range of criteria to assess whether they are sustainable.  A copy of this report can be viewed and downloaded by clicking on the relevent link in the right hand column.  A separate appendices document containing detailed information about the appraisal can be obtained free of charge from the Spatial Policy Group.  The deadline for responses to the Initial Sustainability Appraisal is 11 March 2005. 

If you would like to talk to a planning officer working on the LDF about any aspect of these documents please contact the Spatial Policy Group. Thank you for your interest in the LDF.

 Please note this stage has been completed