They also explain the relationship between planning policies and
other policies which have an important bearing on issues of
development and land use. Local authorities must take their
contents into account in preparing their development plan
documents. The guidance may also be relevant to decisions on
individual planning applications and appeals.
Planning Circulars provide non-statutory advice and
guidance on particular issues to expand on subjects referred to in
legislation and are used to explain policy and regulation more
fully. Many circulars are quasi-legislative and include a direction
or requirement to take specific action or provide guidance on
implementation of aspects of planning policy.
Current national policy and guidance can be
viewed on the Planning Portal website.
The South West Regional Spatial Strategy is
due to be withdrawn in the Localism Bill but remains a material
consideration in planning decisions and in the policies and
proposals of the Core Strategy.
The Regional Economic Strategy was published
by the South West Regional
Development Agency and has informed the development
of the South Somerset Core Strategy. The agency is due to close by
March 2012.
The South West
Observatory draws together research, resources and
analysis from a network of experts across policy themes and from
different local areas in the South West to build a clearer
understanding of the issues affecting people living and working in
this part of the country and to support and inform policy and
decision makers. Information is published in The State of the South West 2011.