Streamlining Local Plans (LDFs)

1. StreamliningLocal Plans (LDFs) NPF June 2008

2. LDF Issues • 1. implementation schedule wildly optimistic – but still too slow • 2. First plans found unsound – led to • a loss of confidence and recognition that these are not UDPs with a new name

3. Planning White Paper • Key elements fundamentally sound - where it has worked it works well • Introduction of spatial planning • Concept of a flexible system • Front loading the process • Binding reports based on tests of soundness • However problems identified • Too complex and process heavy • Lack of clarity on what was expected • Lack of understanding and buy-in • Proposed • Changes to regs and legislation • Changes to guidance • Capacity building and support

4. Changes to the Regulations • Improved consultation arrangements • Single Regulation requiring authority to • a) consider who should be involved in the preparation of DPD • b) take steps they consider appropriate to involve them • Reversal of Order of • Representations and Submission • Final 6-week representation period • will be pre-submission, but local • authority expected to publish the • plan at this stage which they intend • to submit (ie they think it is sound) • Consultation on representations • No automatic requirement to consult on representations on site allocations • Changes in planning bill • No more inspections of SCI • No SA required on SPDs where higher policy already has SA and there are no new impacts

5. New PPS12 • Revised PPS12 published on 4 June • Focuses on outcomes – not detailed process • Accompanied by manual – on PAS web site, based on best practice examples, updated regularly. • Letter to all LA leaders and chief executives from Caroline Flint and Sir Simon Milton highlighting the importance of LDFs

6. LDF in context • Sets out a clear picture of where the LDF must sit • At the heart of the LA – not in a planning Silo • Alongside and integrated with the SCS • Recognised as a key delivery mechanism for LAAs

7. New PPS12 • Key issues / changes • Questions whether a DPD is really needed • Will the RSS + core strategy do ? • Does development plan status add value ? • Is clear that strategic sites are allowed / expected to be in core strategies • Re casts the tests of soundness • Is the plan justified – robust evidence, most appropriate strategy • Is the plan effective – deliverable, flexible • Greater focus on infrastructure planning – underpins CIL • Emphasis on timeliness – requirement to keep stakeholders updated on progress

8. Capacity building / support • Resources – Fees / HPDG • Comms strategy with chief execs • PAS programme – seminars, tailored support, peer support • PINS support

9. Conclusions • Where they have been done LDFs are both quicker and more flexible than the old system • Revised policy (PPS12) provides sharper focus on the key messages, in particular the importance of the core strategy and of making key decisions early • The revised regs will help streamline the process • Next challenge is around confidence, understanding and buy-in.