Local Planning Authorities across the region have been preparing a new version of their Development Plans, which is known as a Local Development Framework (LDF). The LDF will consist of several documents including a Core Strategy that sets out the overall spatial approach to development within a district and an Allocations Development Plan Document that will indicate housing sites, employment sites and the extent of the Green Belt. The LDF is also likely to consist of Area Action Plans that outline the detailed development of a specific area and Supplementary Planning Guidance.
Local Authorities are at varying stages in the preparation of their LDF’s and progress has been hampered by cuts to resources and the uncertainty that has surrounded the planning system since the change of Government.
As part of the LDF process Local Authorities have encouraged landowners to put forward land for consideration as future development sites for housing or employment uses. The ultimate aim is to secure allocation of these sites within the Allocations Development Plan Document.
Below is a summary of where each Local Authority is at in the preparation of their LDF:
Craven Council began work on their Core Strategy in 2005 and produced an ‘Issues and Options’ document that was available for public consultation in 2006. Following the responses received in respect of this document the Council produced a ‘Preferred Options’ version in 2007. No further drafts have been produced by the Council and the Core Strategy appears to be some way from being adopted.
A draft version of the Allocations DPD has not yet been produced. However, the Council are currently in the process of preparing an updated version of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA), which is an evidence based document that assesses the potential suitability of sites for development. The first version of this document was produced in 2008. Any landowners who have not put land forward are encouraged to do so as soon as possible so that it can be assessed as part of this process. The findings of the SHLAA will provide evidence for the preparation of the Allocations DPD.
Bradford Council published a draft Core Strategy in October 2011, which is currently open to public consultation until the 20 January 2012. The document sets out the overall strategic development of the district together with the proposed housing requirement split to a town/village level. Whilst this is only in draft format it gives an indication of the scale of housing development that is proposed within the district. The Council are aiming to formally adopt the document at the beginning of 2013.
The Council have yet to prepare their Allocations DPD, however they have published a SHLAA that assesses the development potential of sites. All sites that were put forward during the ‘Call for Sites’ have been considered within the document. If any landowners have not yet put forward land for consideration it is not too late as the Council will be preparing an updated version of the SHLAA in which new sites will be considered. It is advised that sites are put forward as soon as possible.
The Council does not have a timescale for the adoption of the Allocations DPD, however conservative estimates suggest it will be three years.
The National Park Authority has yet to start work on their Core Strategy. They propose to start work once the Housing Development Plan is adopted, which should be in April 2012.
Work on the Housing Development Plan began in 2010 and was open for public consultation and was subsequently amended. The final version was submitted to the Secretary of State for examination in October 2011 and a hearing will be held from 17 to 19 January 2012 to consider the ‘soundness’ of the plan. Unfortunately no further sites can be submitted for consideration.
The draft version of their Core Strategy was published in 2011. A further amended draft is expected to be published this year and the Council hope to submit it to the Secretary of State for examination at the end of 2012.
Pendle Council have already undertaken two ‘Call for Sites’ in relation to the preparation of the Allocations DPD and are planning on undertaking a third round in 2012. Therefore, it is not too late for landowners to submit their land for consideration.
Several Supplementary Planning Documents have been formally adopted by the Council which will form part of the overall Local Development Framework. They include the Design Principles SPD, Conservation Area Design SPD and the Open Countryside & AONB SPD.
Calderdale Council have not formally adopted a Core Strategy. An ‘Issues and Options’ draft was published at the beginning of 2011 but not further documentation has been published.
The Council began work on the Allocation DPD in 2008 and have undertaken a ‘Call for Sites’ as well as preparing a SHLAA in 2011. A draft of the Allocations DPD has yet to be published.
The Council have made reasonable progress regarding the Core Strategy and are aiming to submit the final version to the Secretary of State in the spring of 2012. If it is found to be ‘sound’ by the Planning Inspector it will be formally adopted, although this may not be until the end of the year.
Work is being undertaken in respect of the Allocations DPD and the latest timescale for adoption is the end of 2013.
The Council formally adopted the Core Strategy in February 2009 and its policies are now operational for all planning applications that are submitted.
The Allocations DPD is being progressed with no estimated date of adoption. The Council prepared a SHLAA in 2009, which is updated annually. If any landowners have land that has not yet been put forward it is suggested that they do so as soon as possible so assessments can be undertaken on its potential suitability.
If you require any advice or assistance in submitting your land to your Local Planning Authority then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Matthew Binns MRICS mbinns@david-hill.co.uk