Unlike the UDP, which was prepared all together as a single document, the LDF will comprise a portfolio of separate Local Development Documents each of which can be prepared and reviewed independently.  Some documents will be part of the statutory development plan (known as Development Plan Documents) whilst others will be non-statutory Supplementary Planning Documents, including site development briefs and guidance on topics such as affordable housing, replacing current Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Development Plan Documents (DPDs) will progressively replace parts of the adopted UDP First Alteration, which will remain in force until the new DPDs begin to be adopted by the Council, from 2008 onwards.

Important Notice - Extension of Saved Policies:

Refer to Secretary of State's Direction under Paragraph 1(3) of Schedule 8 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, to see the UDP policies and proposals that apply after 27 September 2007.   A copy of the Direction is available in Downloads.

Under the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the Council must publish and maintain a scheme known as the `Local Development Scheme' (LDS).  Its purpose is to set out publicly the programme showing which Local Development documents the Council intends to produce over the next three years and the timetable for preparing each document.  The LDS explains the purpose of each of the documents and helps everyone to be aware of the different stages at which they can be involved.  It also provides information about the UDP Saved Policies. It will be updated annually.

The latest version of the scheme, the LDS 2007 was approved by the Council on the 12 September 2007 and a copy is available under `Downloads'. The LDS and Direction are available to view at Council offices and main libraries. Alternatively, a copy can be obtained free of charge from the Spatial Policy Group (use the 'Contact Us - Spatial Policy' link to request a copy).