Local Development Framework

Winchester LDF Core Strategy update September 2009

Having reached a key stage in production of its Core Strategy this year with the publication of its Preferred Option for consultation during May- July, the City Council was offered an advisory visit from the Planning Inspectorate.
The Planning Inspectorate offer support to local authorities in preparing their LDFs and in particular Core Strategies. The exact nature of the assistance depends on the stage reached and is intended to provide guidance as to matters likely to be contentious or problematic, with particular regard to whether the Core Strategy would be considered 'sound' when presented for formal examination.
Planning Inspector David Vickery was subsequently nominated to assist Winchester and visited during late August to consider the Preferred Option document and discuss key issues with officers. The Advice Note which can be downloaded below, is a copy of the full note produced by the Inspector, which highlights some key concerns in terms of the evidence base and content of the Core Strategy. Many of these points highlighted issues which the Council knew would need attention but it is now clear that more detailed work is needed on the 'strategic allocations' and that this will impact on the Core Strategy programme.
This advice means that the current programme of Core Strategy preparation will need to be reviewed and a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) produced, which will be considered by the Council's LDF Cabinet Committee in due course. A revised LDS will then be submitted to the Government Office for formal approval.

What is the Local Development Framework (LDF)?

The Local Development Framework (LDF) is the new planning system introduced under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 which will set out how development will be managed across the Winchester District; it will eventually replace the Local Plan Review (2006).

The LDF will be made up of a folder of documents which will address the Winchester District community's economic, environmental, and social aims. The LDF is led by policies written in the regional plan known as a Regional Spatial Strategy, or for us, the South East Plan.

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

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.

So what is 'Live for the Future'?

An important part of the LDF is the creation of sustainable communities. Sustainable communities are great places to live, work, and do business, but we must also take care of the environment and leave a good legacy for future generations. The LDF is therefore closely linked with the Winchester City Council Community Strategy, and looks ahead to 2026 to promote the creation and maintenance of sustainable communities through a range of policies and proposals for change, improvement and development in the District. Live for the Future is the overarching theme for this.

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.

Downloads:

File format	File title	File size / Download time
	Core Strategy Inspector's Advice Note August 2009	75K 56Kbps Modem: 11 Seconds Broadband: 1 Second