Local Development Scheme May 2012 - Thanet District Council

Thanet LocalDevelopment SchemeFourth Revision Effective May 20121Printed by Thanet District Council’sPrinting Department

Contents Page1. IntroductionPurpose and background of the Local Development Scheme (LDS)Where we are – progress since 2009Changes to the Planning Policy Making Process2012 LDSContents of LDS2. Local Planning Policy DocumentsThe Local Plan – Existing Development Plan DocumentsExisting Supplementary Planning DocumentsStatement of Community InvolvementProposed Development Plan DocumentsProposed Supplementary Planning DocumentsSustainability Appraisal, Strategic Environmental Assessment and ‘Appropriate Assessment’Annual Monitoring ReportNeighbourhood PlanningProgramme Chart3. ProfilesDetailed profiles of proposed Development Plan Documents and Supplementary Planning Documents4. Evidence BaseStrategic Environmental Assessment, Sustainability Appraisal and Appropriate Assessment MonitoringResourcesAnnex 1 List and full description of acronymsThis Local Development Scheme uses acronyms. Whilst these will be explained at the point of theirintroduction, this Annex provides further explanation.2

1 IntroductionPurpose and background to this Local Development Scheme1.1 As part of the Planning and Compulsory Act 2004 (as amended) each Local PlanningAuthority must prepare a Local Development Scheme (LDS). The LDS is a projectmanagement document for the production of the Local Plan. This LDS for Thanet identifiesand describes the “Development Plan Documents (DPD’s)” which the District Councilintends to produce to make up the Local Plan. It provides an overview of the process ofdrafting them and identifies key milestones and timescales for their preparation. This LDScovers a three year time period. The Council’s previous Local Development Scheme cameinto effect on 2 nd February 2009.1.2 Additional information is included in this LDS about Supplementary Planning Documents(SPD’s) the Council also anticipates will be prepared to supplement the Local Plan. Thisincludes indicative timescales for preparing them. Collectively the DPD’s and SPD’s areknown as Local Development Documents (LDD’S)1.3 The LDS serves two purposes:i) it provides the starting point for the local community to find out what the Council’s, asthe Local Planning Authority, planning policies are for the area, by setting out all theLDD’s that already form and supplement the Local Plan; andii) it sets out the programme for the preparation of DPD’s over a three-year periodincluding timetables indicating when the various stages in the preparation of anyparticular DPD will be carried out.Where we are – Progress since 20091.4 The Council has continued background work and production of LDD’s since the last LDS of2009 as summarised below:1.5 In line with the 2009 LDS the Core Strategy preferred options consultation document wasapproved in September 2009, with the consultation period extending into January 2010.Announcement by the coalition government of proposals to radically reform the planningsystem, and its intention to revoke the Regional Spatial Strategy, resulted in the formalprogress on the Core Strategy being deferred until the reforms were introduced. However,work has continued in assembling and updating the evidence needed to support it.1.6 Scoping work has been carried out on potential Development Management and QualityDevelopment policies, a Site Allocations DPD, a revised Flat Conversions Guidelines SPDand a Green Infrastructure Strategy1.7 Furthermore the following key documents have been progressed since 2010:1.8 The Cliftonville DPD, relating to an area in western Cliftonville suffering substantialdeprivation and declared a Neighbourhood Renewal Area, was adopted in February 20101.9 The Developer Contribution SPD, providing developers and residents with essentialinformation about the facilities that will be required to meet the needs of all newdevelopment, was adopted in April 2010.3

1.10 A revised Statement of Community Involvement has been prepared and was subject topublic consultation between February 2012 and March 2012. It is anticipated that thedocument will be adopted by Council in July 2012.Changes to the Planning Policy Making Process1.11 Changes to the national Planning System and plan making process have come into effectthrough the Localism Act 2011. Government has also introduced a new and morestreamlined “National Planning Policy Framework” (March 2012) to replace its previoussuite of national policy statements and guidance notes. The Localism Act 2011 alsoprovided for abolition of regional spatial strategies, subject to strategic environmentalassessments. The regional strategy (South East Plan) will therefore no longer form part ofthe development plan, once this process has taken place.1.12 The National Planning Policy Framework defines the Local Plan as:‘the plan for the future development of the local area, drawn up by the localplanning authority in consultation with the community…”Under the changes the District Council as local planning authority is still required to prepareLocal Plans containing development plan policies, which may be supplemented asnecessary by SPD’s.1.13 The Localism Act introduces the option for parish councils or “neighbourhood forums” toprepare, with the support of the District Council as local planning authority, NeighbourhoodDevelopment Plans (NDP’s) to establish general planning policies for development andland use in their neighbourhood. These plans have to be compliant with an up to dateLocal Plan for the area. The District Council will aim to include local communities inpreparation of the Local Plan for Thanet, but would also support town and parish councils orappropriate neighbourhood forums wishing to take forward an NDP.2012 Local Development Scheme1.14 The need to review the 2009 LDS is identified through the monitoring of performance in theAnnual Monitoring Report (AMR); the most recent published December 2011.1.15 This 2012 Review is also timely as most of the changes to the Planning system beingintroduced by government are being brought into effect in spring 2012.Contents of this Local Development Scheme1.16 This LDS firstly lists and outlines the scope of existing DPD’s and SPD’s1.17 It goes on to identify future DPD’s and SPD’s, which the Council as local planning authorityproposes to produce over the next three years. It includes a timetable, key milestones anda profile of each DPD, and an indicative timescale for SPD’s.1.18 The LDS refers also to the Statement of Community Involvement, Sustainability Appraisal,and the Annual Monitoring Report.1.19 The LDS includes a statement of how resources and the evidence base will be managedacross the programme.4

1.20 This LDS replaces the February 2009 scheme, taking into account the changes made tonational policy.1.21 The LDS will be kept under review and amended when appropriate.2 Local Planning Policy Documents2.1 Local Planning Policy and related documents for Thanet comprise the Statement ofCommunity Involvement (SCI), the Local Plan, and Neighbourhood Plan (Development PlanDocuments), Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD’s), the Monitoring Report (MR) andLocal Development Scheme (LDS).The Local Plan - Existing Development Plan Documents2.2 Adopted documents already forming part of the Local Plan are: -Thanet Local Plan Saved Policies. The Thanet Local Plan was adopted in June2006. On 2 nd June 2009 a direction was received from the Secretary of State and93 of the policies in the 2006 Local Plan have been saved and continue to be partof the Development Plan. The policies will remain saved until they are replaced bypolicies that are brought forward in new DPDs. The Proposals Map in the LocalPlan has also been saved.South East Plan The Localism Act 2011 provides for the potential future revocationof all regional spatial strategies, subject to Environmental Assessments. TheNational Planning Policy Framework states that ‘Regional Strategies remain part ofthe development plan until they are abolished by Order using powers taken in theLocalism Act. It is government’s intention to revoke the regional strategies outsideof London, subject to the outcome of the environmental assessments that arecurrently being undertaken.’ The South East Plan remains part of the developmentplan until the assessment process is completed.Cliftonville DPD. This DPD was adopted in February 2010 and relates to an areain western Cliftonville suffering substantial deprivation which has been declared aNeighbourhood Renewal Area. The DPD provides specific policies to addressfactors fuelling the deprivation cycle affecting the area.Existing Supplementary Planning Documents2.3 Supplementary planning documents providing guidance to supplement policies andproposals in the Local Plan are: -Developer Contributions SPD This SPD provides guidance on the types offacilities, services and infrastructure (including affordable housing) that may berequired as a result of new development, and the mechanisms to be applied toensure that developers make appropriate provision or contribution to secure suchprovision.Kent Design Guide SPD. This guidance is produced by Kent County Council inpartnership with all other District Councils in Kent, and has been adopted by ThanetDistrict Council.5

Supplementary Planning Guidance produced by the Council, which is linked to‘saved’ policies D1 and TR7 in the Local Plan, has also be saved. The SPG’s thathave been saved are;Policy D1 Leaflet 1, Shopfront Design Leaflet 2, Shopfront Security Shutters Leaflet 3, Conservation Areas Leaflet 4, Conversion of Shops to Residential Accommodation A Guide to Converting Your Home Conversion to Flats GuidelinesPolicy TR7 A Planning Strategy for Roadside Services on Primary Routes – Eastern Kent.It is anticipated that these SPG’s will be reviewed alongside the proposed QualityDevelopment Supplementary Planning Document and may be incorporated therein.Statement of Community Involvement.2.4 This sets out the standards and approach in involving stakeholders and the community in theproduction of all local development documents. The SCI was adopted in February 2007 andis currently being reviewed. Public consultation took place between February 2012 andMarch 2012, and it is anticipated that the document will be adopted by Council in July 2012.Proposed Local Plan Documents2.5 Local Plan- Core Strategy Document. This will comprise of a district wide vision,measurable targets (linked to ongoing monitoring arrangements) and district widestrategic and principle policies. This will provide a coherent spatial strategy for a 15-year period from the date of its adoption. It will identify areas and strategic siteswhere major change should take place to address development, transport andinfrastructure needs. These areas will be set out in a key diagram. The documentwill also include policies that relate to the principles of development in Thanet, whichare likely to replace the existing Local Plan ‘saved’ policies. Its preparation will be inconformity with the National Planning Policy Framework and will have regard to theSustainable Community Strategy and the Thanet Council Corporate Plan.2.6 Local Plan- Site Allocations Document. This DPD will identify, in accordance withthe Core Strategy, allocations and policies for enabling continuous delivery ofhousing for a period of 15 years beyond the date of adoption of the core strategy. .The document will have regard to evidence on housing land availability and on thehousing market. The DPD will also review existing policy and land provisions fordifferent types of industrial and commercial development, and small firms. Wherenecessary, provisions and policy will be introduced or amended to accommodatechoice, flexibility and competition in light of current and prospective need. The DPDwill be informed by an Employment Land Review. It will also allocate and safeguardland for all other types of commercial development to ensure that the supply ofallocated land is sufficient and fit for the purposes of delivering the objectives of theCore Strategy.6

2.7 Kent Minerals and Waste Development Framework. Kent County Council isresponsible for producing policy in relation to Minerals and Waste, and they arepreparing a Minerals and Waste Core Strategy, Mineral Site Development PlanDocument and Waste Management Development Plan Document.Proposed Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD’s)2.8 SPD’s generally cover a wide range of issues, on which the Council wishes to provideguidance to supplement the policies and proposals in the Local Plan. It is anticipated that thefollowing SPD’s may be prepared in the indicative timeframe of this LDS:2.9 Quality Development SPD. This document will include guidance for developers and otherstakeholders on the standard of development and design principles which the Council asLocal Planning Authority expects developments to achieve, in order to meet the objectives ofthe Core Strategy DPD. This will include a review and update to the existing SPDs linked tosaved polices, including the Flat Conversion Guidelines, which were last revised in 1998, andare still used to guide consideration of planning applications.2.10 Cliftonville Design Code SPD. Subject to scoping and detailed consideration this documentwould set out design principles and guidance for development within the Cliftonville RenewalArea.2.11 Review of Planning Obligations and Developer Contributions SPD. The Council willreview the Planning Obligations and Developer Contributions SPD. This document will setout guidance on the types of facilities, services and infrastructure (including affordablehousing) that may be required as a result of new development, and the mechanisms to beapplied to achieve this.Sustainability Appraisal, Strategic Environmental Assessment and‘Appropriate Assessment’2.12 The Local Plan will be subject to a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic EnvironmentalAssessment (SEA) together with “appropriate assessment” under the Habitat Regulations.The SA has a wider focus than the SEA process as it includes social and economic criteriaas well as environmental factors but the Governments approach is that all the SEArequirements will be fully met by the SA. The results will then be made available with thesubmission of each DPD. Section 4 provides more information about SA, SEA andAppropriate Assessment.Monitoring Report2.13 The Council is required to monitor how effective its policies and proposals are in meeting thevision in the Core Strategy DPD (when prepared). The reports monitor whether the Councilis meeting, or is on track to meet, its targets; the impact policies are having against other, i.e.national, targets; and whether any policies need to be replaced and if they do, what actionneeds to be taken.Neighbourhood Planning2.14 A neighbourhood plan is a plan prepared by a Parish Council or Neighbourhood Forum for aparticular neighbourhood area. Whilst neighbourhood plans will form part of the development7

plan and are increasingly relevant in planning and resource terms, this document does notidentify the project management process for producing neighbourhood plans, as they areinstigated by the local community rather than the Local Planning Authority.8

Chart 1. Timetable and Project Management for Preparing The LDD’s9

3 Profiles3.1 The Profiles of each LDD are contained in this section. They are as follows:LDD’s Programmed for Preparation Local Plan Core Strategy Local Plan Site Allocations Document Quality Development SPD Cliftonville Design Code SPD Review of Developer Contributions SPD Statement of Community Involvement.Existing Adopted LDD’s Statement of Community Involvement Cliftonville DPD Developer Contributions SPD The Kent Design Guide SPDLocal Development Documents Programmed forPreparationLocal Plan Core StrategyOverview.Role & SubjectCoverageStatusConformityDocument setting out the vision, objectives and spatial strategy for the Districtas well as the primary policies (Economic Development, Housing, TownCentres, Transport, Quality Environment, Community) for achieving that vision.The document will include policies that relate to the principles of development inThanet.District-wideDevelopment Plan DocumentWith the National Planning Policy Framework and, if still in existence, theRegional Spatial Strategy (the South East Plan). The Local Plan Core Strategywill be consistent with the Sustainability Community Strategy and the Council’sCorporate Plan.Timetable.10

StagePreferred Options Consultation (2012 Regulation 18)DatesCompleted October 2009 –January 2010Public Participation (2012 Regulation 18) September – October 2012Publication & pre-submission Consultation (2012 Regulation 19) February – March 2013Date of Submission to Secretary of State April 2013Examination July/August 2013Estimated date for adoptionFeb – March 2014Subject to DPD being foundsound in Inspector’s ReportArrangements for ProductionOrganisational LeadPolitical ManagementInternal ResourcesExternal ResourcesExternal StakeholderResourcesExternal Community &Stakeholder InvolvementCommunity Services ManagerCabinet / Council decisionManaged by the Strategic Planning Team in liaison with DevelopmentManagement, Economic Development and Regeneration, HousingStrategy, Housing Regeneration, Community Development, CorporateInformation and Communication & Environmental Health Teams.External consultants likely to undertake update on strategic housingmarket assessment, retail/town centre study, public open space/sportsprovision study and SA, SEA and HRA. Highways advice from KentCounty Council and external consultants.Local Enterprise Partnership, Kent County Council and East Kent LocalAuthorities, likely to input issues of a strategic nature. Also variousstakeholders will have input into SEA/SA work.The views of specific agencies, service providers, voluntary and privatesector, general stakeholder consultees and parish and town Councils arebeing sought on specific issues during the preparation of the submissiondocument.Local Plan Site Allocations DocumentOverview.Role & SubjectCoverageStatusTo allocate and safeguard specific sites to deliver the objectives of the CoreStrategy. Specifically this will include allocating land for the appropriate numberand type of new dwellings reflecting the Core Strategy vision. It will also addressland requirements for all types of commercial development to meet the objectivesof the Core Strategy. It will identify sites including associated policies.District Wide.Development Plan Document11

ConformityWith the National Planning Policy Framework and, if still in existence, theRegional Spatial Strategy (the South East Plan). The DPD will also beconsistent with the Sustainability Community Strategy, the Local Plan CoreStrategy and the Council’s Corporate Plan.Timetable.StageDatesSA/SEA Scoping, consultation with statutory consultees April 2012- Feb 2013Public participation (2012 Regulation 18)Publication & pre-submission Representations (2012 Regulation 19) Sep-Oct 2013Date of Submission to Secretary of State December 2013Examination May 2013Estimate date for adoptionArrangements for ProductionConsidering whether furtherconsultation is required April 2012– Feb 2013Nov 2013Subject to DPD being foundsound in Inspector’s ReportOrganisational LeadPolitical ManagementInternal ResourcesExternal ResourcesExternal StakeholderResourcesExternal Community &Stakeholder InvolvementCommunity Services ManagerCabinet / Council decisionManaged by the Strategic Planning Team in liaison with DevelopmentManagement, Economic Development and Regeneration, HousingStrategy, Housing Regeneration, Community Development, CorporateInformation and Communication & Environmental Health Team.External consultants to undertake potential update to strategic housingmarket assessment, retail/town centre study, sports provision study and SA,SEA and HRA. Highways advice from Kent County Council and externalconsultants.Consultation with local business, community and house buildingrepresentatives. Input from various stakeholders on SA/SEA Work.The views of specific agencies, service providers, voluntary and privatesector, general stakeholder consultees and parish and town Councils arebeing sought on specific issues during the preparation of the submissiondocument.Quality Development SPDOverview.12

Role & Subject.CoverageStatusConformityGuidance for developers and other stakeholders on the standard ofdevelopment and design principles which the Local Planning Authorityexpect developments to achieve, which will include updated guidance ondesign and standards appropriate for converting premises to flats, andreviewing the existing guidance on shopfront design, shopfront securityshutters, conservation areas and conversion of shops to residentialaccommodation.District Wide.Supplementary Planning DocumentWith Core Strategy and any relevant saved Local Plan policies.Timetable.StageDates (indicative)Early Stakeholder & Community involvement (2012 Regulation 12) Sep – Dec 2013Publication & Public Participation (2012 Regulation 12) Jan – Apr 2014Date of Adoption May 2014Arrangements for ProductionOrganisational LeadPolitical ManagementInternal ResourcesExternal StakeholderResourcesExternal Community &Stakeholder InvolvementCommunity Services ManagerCabinet/Council Decision.Managed by the Councils Strategic Planning team in liaison withDevelopment Management, Strategic Housing and Housing Regenerationteam.Time – consultation with local developers and agents.Views on issues from specific and general stakeholders and the communitywill be sought.Cliftonville Design Code SPDOverview.Role & Subject.CoverageStatusConformityThis document will set out design principles and guidance for developmentwithin the Cliftonville Renewal Area. The purpose of the document is toimprove the design quality in the area and provide greater clarity fordevelopers.Cliftonville Renewal Area.Supplementary Planning DocumentWith Core Strategy, saved Local Plan policy H10 and CliftonvilleDevelopment Plan Document.13

Timetable.StageDates (indicative)Early Stakeholder & Community involvement (2012 Regulation 12) September 2012Publication & Public Participation (2012 Regulation 12) January-February 2013Date of Adoption April 2013Arrangements for ProductionOrganisational LeadPolitical ManagementInternal ResourcesExternal StakeholderResourcesExternal Community &Stakeholder InvolvementCommunity Services ManagerCouncil Decision.Managed by the Councils Strategic Planning Team and HousingRegeneration team.Time – consultation with local developers and agents.The views on issues from specific and general stakeholders and thecommunity will be sought.Planning Obligations and Developer Contributions SPDOverview.Role & SubjectCoverageStatusConformityTo set out guidance on the types of facilities, services and infrastructure(including affordable housing) that may be required as a result of newdevelopment, and the mechanisms to be applied to achieve this.District Wide.Supplementary Planning DocumentWith saved Thanet Local Plan policy, Core Strategy and Site Allocations DPDTimetable.StageDates (indicative)Early Stakeholder & Community involvement (2012 Regulation 12) December 2013Publication & Public Participation (2012 Regulation 12) January - April 2014Date of Adoption May 2014Arrangements for ProductionOrganisational LeadPolitical ManagementCommunity Services ManagerCabinet/Council Decision.14

Internal ResourcesExternal StakeholderResourcesExternal Community &Stakeholder InvolvementManaged by the Councils Strategic Planning Team and HousingRegeneration team.Time – consultation with local developers and agents.Views on issues from specific and general stakeholders and the communitywill be sought.Statement of Community InvolvementOverview.Role & SubjectCoverageStatusConformityDocument setting out standards and approach to involving stakeholders and thecommunity in the production of the LDF.District-wide and involving organisations external to the district.Non Development Plan Local Development DocumentMust at least meet the requirements in the regulations and will have regard tothe Council’s corporate communications strategy.Timetable.StageDatesPublication & Public Participation (2012 Regulation 18)Completed February – March2012Date of Adoption July 2012Arrangements for ProductionOrganisational LeadPolitical ManagementInternal ResourcesExternal StakeholderResourcesExternal Community &Stakeholder InvolvementCommunity Services ManagerCabinet Decision.Managed by the Councils Strategic Planning Team in liaison with CorporateInformation and Communications.Time – consultation with communityViews on the document will be sought from the community and otherrelevant stakeholders.15

Existing Adopted Local Development DocumentsStatement of Community Involvement(Adopted February 2007)Overview.Role & SubjectCoverageStatusConformityDocument setting out standards and approach to involving stakeholders and thecommunity in the production of the Local Development Plan.District-wide and involving organisations external to the district.Non Development Plan Local Development Document. This will be supersededwhen the revised SCI is adopted.Must at least meet the requirements in the regulations and will have regard tothe Council’s corporate communications strategy.Kent Design SPD(Adopted January 2007)Overview.Role & Subject.CoverageStatusConformityTo set out guidance on design issues for new development.District Wide.Supplementary Planning DocumentWith Local PlanCliftonville DPD (Adopted February 2010)Overview.Role & Subject.CoverageStatusTo support the regeneration of the Cliftonville area of Margate to reinstate abalanced and confident community and stimulate property investment.Western Cliftonville Area of Margate.Development Plan Document16

ConformityWith the South East Plan and Local Plan and consistency with theNeighbourhood Renewal Area, Corporate Plan and the Thanet CommunityStrategy. .Planning Obligations and Developer Contributions SPD(Adopted April 2010)Overview.Role & SubjectCoverageStatusConformityTo set out guidance on the types of facilities, services and infrastructure(including affordable housing) that may be required as a result of newdevelopment, and the mechanisms to be applied to achieve this.District Wide.Supplementary Planning DocumentWith saved Thanet Local Plan policy.17

Diagram 1. Relationships between LDD Documents.Statement of Community InvolvementDPDThanet Local PlanLocal Plan Core StrategyPolicies ‘Saved’NB These policiesare likely to besuperseded byLocal Plan CoreStrategy and SiteAllocations DPDLocal Plan SiteAllocationsDPDCliftonvilleDPDFutureDPD'sProposals Mapand Inset MapsThe KentDesignGuideQualityDevelopmentSPDDeveloperContributionsSPDCliftonvilleDesign CodeSPDFutureSPD'sEvidence Base + Sustainability Appraisal & Strategic Environmental AppraisalSPD18

Evidence Base.4.1 The Council’s LDD’s will be founded on a thorough understanding of the needs,opportunities and constraints of the area. The evidence base will be maintained and keptunder review so that emerging policies are achievable. Published evidence basedocuments are available to view on the Council’s website, www.thanet.gov.uk Table 1below lists the main areas of information collection.Table 1.StudyCommercial InformationAudit and Employment LandReviewDescriptionThe CIA is reviewed yearly in conjunction with Kent CountyCouncil. The ELR was completed in 2009 and will be subject toreview and any necessary updating.Housing Information AuditReviewed yearly in conjunction with Kent County Council.Urban Capacity Study andStrategic Housing LandAvailability StudyHousing Needs Survey andStrategic Housing MarketAssessmentA Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment was completedin 2010, and will be updated where necessary.A Housing Needs Survey was published in 2002. An East KentStrategic Housing Market Assessment was carried out in 2009 andwill be updated if necessary.Transport Assessment andStrategyNational Land Use DataBase (NLUD)Retail Needs AssessmentThis work is underway and will inform the Local Plan.Reviewed each year, resources permitting.A study was published 2007 and updated in 2009 to consider thetown centres and to study the effects of Westwood Cross. A newstudy will be commissioned to inform the Local Plan.Other commercial and This will be commissioned to inform the Local Planleisure development studyFlood Risk Assessment A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment was carried out in 2009Infrastructure Delivery Plan This work is underway and assesses infrastructure required toenable the delivery of the Local PlanCore Town Centre AreaStudyThis is carried out periodically and monitors changes in the retailcentres.Kent Habitat SurveyPollution Data/Air QualityGypsy and TravellersOpen Space AuditThis was published in 2003 and has been updated and will be usedas baseline data.Environmental Health monitoring reports. Thanet is producing anAir Quality Action Plan.A Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment was carriedout in 2007.This was carried out in 2005/6 to consider the recreational needs ofthe community in Thanet.19

Strategic Environmental Assessment, Sustainability Appraisal andAppropriate Assessment4.2 The Requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive have beenlinked with the Regulations covering Sustainability Appraisals. As part of the process theCouncil must;• Prepare an environmental report on the significant effects of options;• Carry out consultation on the draft plan and accompanying environmental report;• Take into account the environmental report and the results of consultation in decisionmaking; and• Provide information when the plan is adopted and show how the results of the SEA andSA have been taken into account.4.3 Studies that are to be used in the preparation of the LDDs and SEA/SA are listed in Table 1above.4.4 Under the European Habitats Directive, all LDDs will need to be screened to assesswhether there is a risk that they might adversely affect the integrity of sites designated asbeing of European importance for nature conservation. Where such risk exists, the LDD’swill need to be subject to “Appropriate Assessment”, and alternative options examined toavoid any potential damaging effects identified.Monitoring.4.5 Monitoring systems will be maintained to assess the implementation of the Local Plan andto ensure that the evidence upon which the Local Plan is based is still relevant and up todate.4.6 The Council produces a Monitoring Report (MR), which is published at the end of eachcalendar year. It will use the MR to assess:• Whether the Council is on track to meet the targets it has set itself in its LDD’s and if notthe reasons why;• What impact the Council’s policies are having;• Whether the Council needs to review any policies in order to meet their sustainabledevelopment objectives;4.7 The report will also identify residential sites that have been developed during that reportingperiod.Resources.4.8 Resources relating to each LDD are indicated in each Profile. The Council recognises theimportance of ensuring that resources for evidence gathering, consultation, examinationand ongoing SA/SEA are available.20

Risk Assessment.4.9 In preparing this Local Development Scheme, it was found that the main areas of risk relate to:• Resources. Insufficient resources may result in the process not being ‘sound’ and maycause slippage in the timetable so targets are not met. The Council will need to assesson an annual basis the budget resource and ensure that there is a full complement ofstaff.• New Issues. Whilst consulting with stakeholders and specific consultation bodies newissues may be raised, which could result in the need to prepare a new DPD or SPD.This may slow procedures down and take additional officer time. It is therefore proposedthat early stakeholder consultation should take place so that any new issues can beprogrammed in without producing delays at a later stage. Continuing dialog with thePlanning Inspectorate (PINS) would also assist.• Political Change. With the hung Council and future local elections there may be apossibility of a change in direction in Council policy, causing delays in the process. TheCabinet Advisory Group includes representatives from all political parties so that allparties are engaged.• Capacity of the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) and other agencies to cope withdemand for public examinations nation-wide. This is not within the Council’s controlbut the Council will give early warning of the programme.• ‘Soundness’ of Plans. The risk will be minimised by following appropriate governmentguidance and working closely with PINS at all milestone stages in the run up tosubmission of DPD's.• Legal Challenge. This risk will be minimised by ensuring that each DPD is ‘sound’ andfounded on a robust evidence base and through well-audited stakeholder andcommunity engagement systems.Programme Slippage. There is a risk that there has been insufficient time given to theprocess as unfamiliar procedures are involved, and further legislative changes are to bemade affecting the plan making process. This risk should be reduced by carefully followingall given advice on time tabling of procedures. There is also the risk that other prioritiesmay take precedence such as the need to divert staff resources to responding to anyunforeseen priorities.21

Annex 1List and full description of acronyms.AAP Area Action Plan These Plans focus upon implementation, providing animportant mechanism for ensuring development of anappropriate scale, mix and quality for key areas ofopportunity, change and conservation.MR Monitoring Report Authorities are required to produce MR’s to assess theimplementation of the LDS and the extent to whichpolicies in the LDD’s are being achieved.DP Development Plan This includes adopted Local Plans, neighbourhoodplans and the London Plan and is defined in section 38of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.DPD Development Plan Document The documents that the local planning authority mustprepare and which have to be subject to communityinvolvement, consultation and independent examination.LDD Local Development Document LDD’s comprise of DPD’s, SPD’s SCI and the SEA/SALDS Local Development Scheme The LDS sets out the programme for preparing theDPD’sLP Local Plan The plan for the future development of the local area,drawn up by the local planning authority in consultationwith the community. In law this is described as thedevelopment plan documents adopted under thePlanning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Currentcore strategies and other planning policies that aredevelopment plan documents, form part of the LocalPlan. This includes policies which have been ‘saved’.NP Neighbourhood Plans A plan prepared by a Parish Council or NeighbourhoodForum for a particular neighbourhood area.RSS Regional Spatial Strategy The RSS, incorporating a regional transport strategy,provides a spatial framework to inform the preparation oflocal development documents, local transport plans andregional and sub-regional strategies and programmesthat have a bearing on the land use activities. RegionalStrategies remain part of the development plan untilthey are abolished by Order using powers taken in theLocalism Act. It is the government’s clear intention torevoke the regional strategies outside London, subjectto the outcome of the environmental.SA Sustainability Appraisal Assessment of the social, economic and environmentalimpacts of the policies and proposals contained withinthe LDFSCIStatement of CommunityInvolvementDocument explaining to stakeholders and thecommunity how and when they will be involved in thepreparation of the Local Plan and the steps that will be22

taken to facilitate this involvement.SEAStrategic EnvironmentalAppraisalA procedure which requires the formal environmentalassessment of certain plans and programmes which arelikely to have significant effects on the environment.SPDSupplementary PlanningDocumentDocuments which add further detail to the policies in theLocal Plan. They can be used to provide furtherguidance for development on specific sites, or onparticular issues, such as design. SupplementaryPlanning Documents are capable of being a materialconsideration in planning decisions but are not part ofthe development plan.23

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