Local Development Framework

In September 2004 the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act introduced major changes to the development plan system. Local Plans will be replaced by Local Development Frameworks (LDFs) and Structure Plans are abolished. Guidance at the strategic level will be provided by Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS) which replace Regional Planning Guidance.

The Local Development Framework is a series of Local Development Documents (LDDs) which together will deliver the spatial planning strategy for the District and includes:

The Local Development Scheme (LDS) is the three year project plan for implementing the Local Development Framework. It explains how the new development planning system will operate and how the documents and strategies at different levels will fit together.

Development Plan Documents (DPDs) are statutory parts of the Local Development Framework setting out policies and proposals. The Core Strategy sets out the key elements of the long-term planning framework for the District up to 2026.

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs): expanding or providing further detail on policies or proposals in Development Plan Documents but not having the same status as these documents. No SPDs are programmed in the Local Development Scheme.

The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out the approach to involving the community in the preparation of Local Development Documents and also consultation on planning applications.

The Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) assesses the implementation of the South Somerset Local Development Scheme and the extent to which policies and proposals are being achieved.

The Housing Trajectory provides details of sites available for housing development for the next 5 years and when these sites could potentially come forward for development.