StreamliningLocal Plans (LDFs)

NPF June 2008

2

LDF Issues

DPDs: Programme of Submission Dates - April 2006 to March 2011

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Month/Year

Nu

mb

er

of

DP

Ds

Intended programme of DPD submissions (In effect LDS June 06) Cumulative "In effect" LDS date for DPD Submission to SofS (Reg 28)

Cumulative GO Estimated date for DPD Submission to SofS (Reg 28) Cumulatve Actual date for DPD Submission to SofS (Reg 28)

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 ofRepresentations and Submission

Final 6-week representation periodwill be pre-submission, but localauthority expected to publish the plan at this stage which they intendto submit (ie they think it is sound)

Consultation on representationsNo 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.