Planning Policy

One of the main responsibilities of the Planning and Transport Policy team is to produce the plans that control future development in the District - how much is needed and where it can take place - and protect the local environment and heritage.

Under the new planning system introduced in 2004, the District Local Plan will be replaced in due course by the Local Development Framework.

The Development Plan also comprises the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy. The Warwickshire Structure Plan has now expired with the exception of the following 'saved' policies:

• GD7 Previously Developed Sites
• I2 Industrial Land Provision
• T10 Developer Contributions
• TC2 Hierarchy of Town Centres
• T7 Public Transport

Local planning policies have to be consistent with national legislation and guidance, including Planning Policy Guidance (PPGs) and Planning Policy Statements (PPSs). These are available on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister website.

The Planning Portal is also a useful source of information. This is a one-stop-shop service for planning provided by the Government.

The Development Plan is supported by a range of supplementary guidance produced by the District Council. This deals with the implementation of the plan and is particularly useful for prospective applicants and developers.

The planning system requires thorough monitoring so that the effectiveness of policies can be gauged. This includes the production of an Annual Monitoring Report.