Fareham Local Development Framework

Development Plan Documents

 

Development Plan Documents (DPDs), together with the Regional Spatial Strategy, i.e. the South East Plan, are replacing the local plans and structure plan as the statutory Development Plan for the Borough. Development Plan Documents are spatial planning documents, covering a range of policy areas that will undergo public consultation in accordance with the Council's Statement of Community Involvement. Development Plan Documents are subject to Sustainability Appraisal, assessment under the Habitats Regulations, and an independent examination before being adopted by the Local Planning Authority.

 

Types of DPDs:

• Core Strategy (required) - sets out the long term spatial vision for the local planning authority area, as well as the spatial objectives and the strategic policies to deliver that vision.
• Site Allocations - for specific or mixed uses of land. Policies will identify any specific requirements for individual sites.
• Area Action Plans (where needed) - are used to provide a planning framework for areas of significant change, e.g. to deliver planned growth areas, areas for regeneration, or areas for conservation that are subject to development pressure.

 

Stages of DPD Production

 

Evidence Gathering

Research is undertaken to gather up to date, relevant information and establish background facts. The results are published as evidence studies.

 

Preparing the draft DPD

The government no longer regulates the precise detail of how a council should prepare a plan. When preparing a DPD the council will notify the specific and general consultation bodies, residents and businesses in the area as to the subject of the proposed DPD and invite them to make representations on what it should contain. Consultees will also be involved in the process of refining and improving options which is carried out alongside the Sustainability Appraisal.

 

There is no set stage of consultation that takes a defined period of time. The council may use a variety of activities which happen more than once and at different times, however the council must take into account any representations received. The final draft plan may be discussed with particular people prior to its publication.

 

Pre Submission Document

The development plan document is published (along with the sustainability appraisal report and report of consultation) in order for representations relating to issues of soundness to be made during a minimum six week period. The representations must then be taken into account at the examination.

 

Submission

The DPD, supporting documents and representations are then submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by a planning inspector.

 

Examination

The examination of a DPD is conducted by a planning inspector. It will involve a legal compliance check and an assessment against three tests of soundness, to establish whether the DPD is justified, effective and consistent with national policy. Individuals and organisations may take part in the debate at hearing sessions if their representation on the matter for discussion is duly made.

 

Adoption

Following the independent examination the Council will receive a binding report from the inspector. If the DPD is 'sound', the Council must then implement any changes required by this report before formally adopting the Development Plan Document.

 

Fareham's Development Plan Documents

The following are currently in preparation:

• Core Strategy
• Site Allocations Development Plan Document
• Fareham Town Centre Area Action Plan
• North of Fareham Strategic Development Area Area Action Plan

The Fareham Local Development Scheme establishes the timetable for preparation of the above DPDs.

 

Contact

For more information please contact Strategic Planning and Design

 

Tel: 01329 236100

 

E-Mail: planningpolicy@fareham.gov.uk