Local Plans are at the heart of the planning system and a key part of the decision-making framework in a local area.
All local planning authorities (LPAs) are required to produce a Local Plan. The Local Plan should:
- Set out how much new development is needed over the plan period – such as for housing, business, infrastructure health and community facilities – and where this should go. It will also say what land and buildings should to be protected. These are sometimes referred to as ‘strategic’ policies.
- Contain more detailed policies about specific areas and on different types of new development. These are called ‘non-strategic’ policies.
Planning law makes clear that all decisions on planning applications should be made in accordance (in line) with the policies and proposals in the development plan unless there are other strong planning reasons or ‘material considerations’ that indicate otherwise. The Local Plan is an important part of the development plan (which might also include a neighbourhood plan and/or spatial development strategy). For more information see: why are Local Plans important?
If a Local Plan (or national policy) is not clear or out-of-date on an issue, there is a presumption that a local planning authority will grant planning permission for sustainable development. This is called ‘the presumption in favour of sustainable development’.
What is the context for Local Plan preparation?
All Local Plans should be based on evidence about the economic, social and environmental characteristics and prospects of the area. Local authorities gather this evidence through a number of assessments in relation to housing, social, economic, and environmental sustainability, and the environmental impact of development.
Local Plans must also be consistent with national policy and law. The National Planning Policy Framework lists the things Local Plans must consider, including policies on economic growth, housing, transport, community facilities and climate change. Planning Practice Guidance adds further context to the NPPF and contains guidance on key topics such as plan-making, heritage, design and fees for planning applications. For more information see: what is national planning policy?
If Local Plans are produced which are not based on the required assessments, or are not consistent with national policy and the law, then it could give rise to the plan not being approved and to planning decisions being challenged. For more information see: what is the context for local plan preparation?
What do Local Plans look like?
Local Plans typically consist of a single document covering a local authority area. They contain policies that address the priorities for an area, such how much development is needed and where it should go and how this will be managed and delivered (i.e. strategic and non-strategic elements).
The Local Plan should be supported by a policies map (sometimes referred to as a ‘proposals map’) which shows where new development is acceptable in principle, as well as identify areas of protection such as nationally protected landscape, areas of importance for nature conservation and Green Belt.
LPAs may produce plans for specific areas, called Master Plans, or Area Action Plans. These form part of the Local Plan and may be produced for large new developments, for regenerating a specific area, or redeveloping a town centre.
LPAs can also agree Supplementary Planning Documents. These provide more detailed advice or guidance on the policies in the Local Plan and can cover a range of issues for example affordable housing or design. They are not formally part of the local plan but may be a ‘material consideration’ in decisions on planning applications. For more information see: what do Local Plans look like?
In some areas, LPAs may work together on strategic planning matters – such as in relation to housing, employment, infrastructure and the conservation of the natural and built environment. Strategic planning policies can be set out in Joint Local Plans or, in areas with an elected Mayor or combined authority, a spatial development strategy. Together, these plans form part of the development plan and are used for decision making. For more information see: what is strategic planning?