Local Development Framework

The Local Development Framework (LDF) is the term used to describe the 'folder' of local development documents which collectively will set out the spatial planning strategy, policies and proposals for the local planning authority's area.

The LDF has been introduced as part of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, and will ultimately replace the Council's current Local Plan Review. LDFs are intended to streamline the local planning process and are part of a new system which aims to achieve the following objectives:

Flexibility - to produce and review plans quickly in response to changing local circumstances.

Community Involvement - to involve the local community and other stakeholders from the outset and throughout the preparation of local development documents.

Front Loading - to take key decisions early in the process having identified and achieved a consensus on the principal issues to be addressed.

Sustainability Appraisal - to ensure that all local development documents contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. The Scoping Report is available for inspection.

Programme Management - to prepare a set of local development documents efficiently, as set out in a project plan known as a Local Development Scheme.

Soundness - to base local development documents on robust evidence, and make them sound both in content and in the way they are produced.

For further information please contact the Planning Policy team on 01789 260337, by emailing planning@stratford-dc.gov.uk, or by fax on 01789 260306.