What is a Local Development Framework?
The Local Development Framework (LDF) is a folder of planning documents and policies and will be the guide for future development in the borough. The Local Development Framework was introduced in 2004 as part of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act to replace the old system of creating Local Plans. More information on Local Development Frameworks is available on the Planning Portal website.
What will I find in the Wokingham Borough Local Development Framework?
The Wokingham Borough LDF is made up of Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)
Development Plan Documents
The Wokingham Borough Local Development Framework contains three DPDs - The Core Strategy, Managing Development Delivery and the Statement of Community Involvement. More information regarding each document is available on their individual pages.
The purpose of a DPD is to outline the key development goals of the Local Development Framework. This will includes establishing an overall vision for how development will occur within the borough, where it will occur, and sets down policies to manage this. DPDs undergo normally undergo two rounds of public consultation (although sometimes more in exception circumstances) and are subject to an independent examination by a Planning Inspector.
Supplementary Planning Documents
SPDs provide additional information to support those policies contained in Development Plan Documents. They do not form part of a development plan for an area but they do influence planning decisions such as the determination of planning applications. SPDs are not subject to an independent examination by a Planning Inspector, but it is a requirement that the public are consulted on these. Following any necessary amendments, these policies then need to be approved by an executive of Council members before they can be adopted.
How and when can I have my say on documents and policies in the LDF?
You will have an opportunity to tell the Council your views on every planning document and policy within the LDF. As part of the LDF process we also now produce a Statement of Community Involvement which sets out the different methods we will use to consult the general public.
The ways in which we consult will vary according to whether the document is a DPD or an SPD as these documents are prepared differently. In addition, there may also be the opportunity to appear at an Examination in Public if you indicate in your comment you think a document is unsound (unviable) and that you wish to support this claim in person.
To find out when we are planning to ask for your views on a particular planning document, you will need to look at the 'Local Development Scheme'. This is the official name for the timetable we have drawn up for producing the documents within the LDF. News of consultations will also appear on the front page of the website and in local newspapers as reminders that a consultation will be taking place.
There are are several ways you can respond to a consultation. You may write into the Council at:
Land Use and Transport Team
PO Box 157
Shute End
Wokingham
RG40 1WR
or e-mail at: policyandplans@wokingham.gov.uk
or you may respond online at: www.ldfconsult.co.uk/wokingham and clicking on the title of the relevant consultation.
How can I be sure the documents and policies within the LDF are justified?
As mentioned above, all documents and policies within the LDF are subject to public consultation and we demonstrate that the views of the public have been taken into account when producing our policies. In addition, all DPDs are subject to examination by a government Planning Inspector. The Inspector is appointed by the Secretary of State when the final draft of any DPD is submitted to them. The job of the Inspector is to assess whether a particular planning document is 'Sound' (viable). He or she will do this by judging whether a DPD meets all the criteria set out in the 'Tests of Soundness'.
