Planning Application Guide
In this section
- Introduction
- Development Idea
- Do I need a Planning Agent?
- Revised Local Development Plan (LDP)
- Key Information
- Pre-Application Stage
- Type of Planning Application
Revised Local Development Plan (LDP)
Once the Inspectors’ report is published, the Revised LDP must be ‘adopted’ by the planning authority within eight weeks. Upon publication of the Inspectors’ Report, significant weight can be attached to the policies of the Revised LDP.
Planning applications validated prior to the publication of the Inspectors’ report will be considered in accordance with the current Adopted LDP. However, where an application's determination extends past the date of publication of the Inspectors’ report, but prior to the adoption of the Revised LDP, officers will need to have due regard to the content of the Revised LDP and the Inspectors’ report, with the significance of weight in decision-making shifting to the Revised LDP.
Planning applications that have been pending determination for an extended period prior to publication of the Inspectors’ report (for example, have been subject to EoT or at S106 stage) will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis, whereby the balance of weight reflects the individual matters and issues of the applications.
Such applications are those where there was a clear expectation that the application would have normally been determined within a timescale prior to the publication of the Inspectors’ report. Officers, at the point of determination, will need to reference both Plans and apply the appropriate weight to each. The following basic provisions should apply but will vary based on individual circumstances.
- If an application complies with the current Adopted LDP but conflicts with the new Revised LDP, the balance of material weight should reflect the Revised LDP. Even though it was perfectly acceptable when submitted, the new policies and provisions override those in the Adopted LDP. The imminent adoption of the Revised LDP means granting permission would undermine the strategic direction just approved by the Inspectors.
- If an application does not comply with the Adopted LDP but complies with the Revised LDP, the balance of material weight should reflect the new provisions.
Planning applications validated after the adoption of the Revised LDP will be considered against its provisions irrespective of any pre-application consultation (PAC) undertaken prior to the publication of the Inspectors’ report.
