Local Development Frameworks

A Local Development Framework must include a Core Strategy, Site-Specific Allocations of land, a Proposals Map and may also contain additional optional development documents such as Area Action Plans. These are classed as Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and outline the key development goals of the Local Development Framework. DPDs are subject to independent examination by the government.

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) are optional documents which expand or add details to policies laid out in development plans. SPDs are not subject to independent examination but they must follow rigorous procedures of sustainability appraisal and can constitute a material consideration in respect of decision-making.

Three more Local Development Documents are required by the Planning Act:

• the Local Development Scheme, a public 'project plan' identifying which local development documents will be produced, in what order and when.
• the Annual Monitoring Report, a report submitted to the government by a local planning authority to assess the progress and the effectiveness of a Local Development Framework.
• The Statement of Community Involvement, which shows how and when planning authorities intend to consult local communities and other stakeholders when preparing documents.

Access Southwark Council's Local Development Framework