Local Development Framework

What is the Local Development Framework (LDF)?

The Local Development Framework (LDF) is document in which the Council sets the planning policies which are going to shape the future of Winchester District. The Council has to produce an LDF and it will eventually replace the Local Plan Review (2006).

The LDF will be made up of a package of documents which will help to make sure that development meets the economic, environmental, and social needs of our District.

The LDF will contain two types of policy documents:

Development Plan Documents (DPDs) - a range of planning policy documents which set out the Council's approach to development in the district. Two DPDs are planned, the Core Strategy and Development Management and Allocations.

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)- these documents supplement the DPDs by giving more information on particular issues. Several SPDs have been adopted to supplement the Local Plan Review (2006).

The Council has produced a Local Development Scheme which sets out its programme for preparing the LDF and its component DPDs. This programme is now under review.

The main purpose of the LDF is the creation of sustainable communities so it is closely linked with the Winchester City Council Community Strategy. It looks ahead to 2026 to promote the creation and maintenance of good places to live through a range of policies and proposals for change, improvement and development in the District.

To support these documents and their policies, the LDF must also have a robust Evidence Base, which contains additional background information, technical studies, assessments and a Sustainability Appraisal.

Until recently the LDF had to fit with policies in the 'Regional Spatial Strategy', which for Winchester District was the South East Plan. That document said that the Council had to provide for a particular housing target approved by the Government. However, on 6 July 2010 the Government revoked the South East Plan with immediate effect, meaning it no longer applies. Consequently, the Council has taken the decision that it should review housing needs in the District and consult with the community again on the amount and type of new housing, employment and infrastructure that should be provided. This will mean that the Core Strategy will be produced a little later, but it will better reflect local views.

The Council's Cabinet (LDF) Committee has considered the changes to the planning system (see report CAB2040LDF) and agreed the new approach to preparing the LDF. The Local Development Scheme (LDS) will be updated as the revised programme becomes clearer, but it is expected that the programme for the Core Strategy and Development Management and Allocations DPD set out in the LDS will be delayed by 6-12 months.

The Council intends that the Core Strategy will continue to include the part of the District which falls within the South Downs National Park, but it will keep this under review as the National Park Authority proposes to develop its own Core Strategy.

So how can I get involved?

To find out more about what has happened so far with the LDF, what we will be doing next and how you can comment on current consultations, please go to the Consultations webpage.

You can also keep up to date with the latest news on the LDF by signing up for our e-newsletter here.