Local Development Framework
A new way of controlling and planning future development was introduced in 2005. The Local Development Framework will replace the Local Plan as the way development is managed and our local environmental and economy protected over the next 20 years. The current Local Plan will continue to control development over the next three years while the new Local Development Framework is put in place.
LDF Newsletters are published to inform on the progress of the LDF.
The Local Development Framework (LDF) will comprise a collection of documents individually referred to as Local Development Documents (LDDs). LDDs will set out the spatial strategy for the District, and include:
- Development Plan Documents (DPDs). DPDs will replace the existing Mid Bedfordshire Local Plan and will be subject to community and stakeholder consultation, strategic environmental assessment, a sustainability appraisal and then independent examination by a Government appointed Inspector. The Council will then be obliged to accept the recommendations in the Inspector's Report if they wish to adopt the DPD.
- Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) which will be either topic-based or area-based documents. These will be subject to community and stakeholder consultation and a sustainability appraisal/strategic environmental assessment, but not subject to examination.
The Planning Portal provides a useful visual guide to Local Development Frameworks (this link takes you to an external website).
In Mid Bedfordshire, the Council will be preparing the following documents:
Name of Document | Description | Document Type |
This document is the starting point for the community and stakeholders to find out which documents are being produced under the new planning system. It includes the geographical area that they cover and a timetable for their preparation and review over the next three years. The LDS also indicates in general terms what future work is proposed by the Local Planning Authority beyond the three year period. A glossary of terms has been included at the end of this document. | LDD | |
A fundamental part of the LDF process is the involvement of the community and stakeholders in its preparation. Government requires that one of the first LDDs to be prepared must be a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) which sets out how this will be achieved. The District Council's SCI was adopted in February 2006.
This sets out the standard for involving the community and interested parties throughout the production of the LDF. It also includes a section on how to involve members of the community in significant Development Control decisions. | LDD | |
Development Management Policies DPD
| To set out the vision, objectives and strategy for the spatial development of Mid Bedfordshire. To set out the criteria against which planning applications will be considered, including settlement hierarchy and definition of Settlement Envelope boundaries. | DPD |
To identify the amount and location of gypsy and traveller accommodation required in the District. In addition the document will include criteria based policies against which gypsy and traveller associated development will be determined. | DPD | |
To identify the amount and location of housing development in the District, together with an indication of the timing of release to meet supply. In addition the document may include other allocations, for example, for leisure or recreation. | DPD | |
To provide advice to securing development related matters in association with planning permissions granted in the District. | SPD | |
To provide detailed guidance on a range of design related issues across the District. To provide advice to securing development related matters in association with planning permissions granted in the District. | SPD |
Technical Reports
In preparing the LDDs a range of background work will need to be undertaken by the District Council. This work will be published in the form of technical papers/reports. This information or evidence gathering is critical to ensure that the District has a robust base for the policies and proposals in the LDF. Relevant information will be published as supporting documentation to assist in community involvement in the development of the LDDs as necessary.
Click here to view the LDF Technical Reports published to date.
Monitoring and Review
The Council is required under the new system to report annually on the implementation and effectiveness of its policies in both the current Local Plan and the emerging Local Development Framework. More information is available on the Monitoring page.
Member Involvement
The LDF Task Force oversees the preparation of the Local Development Framework. More detail and the Terms of Reference of this group is available on the Local Development Framework Task Force web page.
