Development Plan Documents (DPDs)

As stated in National Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 12: Local Spatial Planning, the preparation process for Development Plan Documents (DPD) can be divided into 4 stages. A brief summary of each stage is provided below, using extracts from PPS12.

Full details of each stage can be found in PPS12 and The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations, 2004.

Stage 1 - Pre-production

The policies prepared by a local planning authority (LPA) should be founded on a thorough understanding of the needs of their area and the opportunities and constraints which operate within the area. An up-to-date evidence base should be prepared on key aspects of the social, economic and environmental characteristics of the area, to enable the preparation of a sound spatial plan (development plan) meeting the objectives of sustainable development.

PPS12 states that at the earliest stage, the LPA should gather evidence about their area which may include studies, for example, on;

• The nature of housing required in communities
• The employment required in the area 
• The availability of previously developed land
• The availability of sites accessible by public transport where development can be encouraged
• The natural habitats in the area
• Areas at risk of flooding
• The need for additional leisure facilities

Read about the progress of Pendle Borough Council's evidence base.

Stage 2 - Production

The preparation of a DPD to the point of submission to the Secretary of State involves two periods of public consultation. Any representation made in accordance with these consultation periods must be considered by the LPA in preparation of a final submission document in Stage 3.

Issues and Options Consultation - Regulation 25

Informal consultation process aimed at identifying the key issues for the borough, in respect of the topics covered by the DPD. Possible options to help address the identified issues over the short and long-term should also be identified.

Preferred Options Consultation (optional)

As a result of the Issues and Options consultation process, and responses received, an LPA can choose to publish a preferred options report. This will identify the Council's preferred planning policy approach to take forward in the Local Development Framework. A Sustainability Appraisal Report should also be published at this time detailing the likely significant environmental, social and economic effects of each option considered.

Publication - Regulation 27

LPAs should prepare the DPD to be published. The publication of the draft development plan document should be informed by earlier extensive public participation to ensure that what the Council publishes is sound. 

The draft development plan document is published in order for representations to be made. A six week public consultation will be carried to ensure the plan to be submitted is considered sound.

Regulation 28 requires a summary to be prepared of the main issues raised by the representations.  This process should assist the Council to review the representations and to consider what, if any changes should be made to the draft development plan document before submission.

Submission - Regulation 30

The LPA must submit its DPD for independent examination to the Secretary of State. The Council must produce a summary of the main issues raised by the representations received at both Regulation 25 and Regulation 27 stages, and for the former, how these representations have been taken into account. Any issues raised by representations that go to the heart of the soundness of the plan should come to light during this summation process.

Stage 3 -Examination

An inspector will be appointed by the Secretary of State to conduct the examination, and assess whether the DPD is sound. The DPD will be declared sound if it;

• has been prepared in accordance with procedural requirements,
• is in conformity with other relevant policies and strategies; and
• is deemed to be coherent, consistent and effective

Further information on examination and the tests of soundness

Stage 4 - Adoption

The LPA must adopt the DPD as soon as practicable following receipt of the inspector's report unless the Secretary of State intervenes. An adopted statement (Regulation 36) will be prepared, and the DPD will be incorporated into the LDF and the adopted proposals map.