Local Development Scheme

The Government's Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 has introduced major changes to the way planning policies are to be prepared. The Act replaces the old system of Structure plans, Local plans and Supplementary Planning Guidance with a new system of Local Development Documents that together, make up a Local Development Framework.

As part of the new approach Local Planning Authorities are also required to produce a Local Development Scheme that explains the approach and timetable for policy preparation. The scheme will be used to monitor the Councils progress, and is intended to help manage workloads, resource requirements and to give the public and other interested parties greater opportunity for involvement in the policy process.

This Local Development Scheme is intended to guide the production of development plans within the Ribble Valley. It is a very important document because our Development Plan Documents will help to guide and shape the pattern of development within the borough. They will help form a spatial strategy for the area and will help to deliver community objectives and establish sustainable communities.

The schedule explains exactly how, and when, the Council intends to complete its Local Development Framework. The documents referred to are to be produced under the provisions of the new Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act.  The Development Plan for the Borough will therefore comprise of those Local Plan Policies that have been 'saved' and the LDF documents that have been adopted.  The new framework will progressively replace the Local Plan.