In September, a new publication was launched at the RTPI Planning Summer School. Examining Development Plan Documents: Learning from Experience shares Inspectors’ experiences of examining Development Plan Documents since 2007.
Learning from Experience steers away from the procedural matters (now covered in the PAS Plan Making Manual and Inspectorate’s Procedure Guidance) and focuses on those issues that arise most frequently, such as strategic sites, green belt and waste. The uncertainty of the current economic climate is recognised in terms of viability and delivery of proposals, but the document reiterates the fact that Development Plan Documents (DPDs) take a long term view. It also advises on requirements for soundness in relation to housing and infrastructure and illustrates where a balance has to be struck. Other uncertainties on how to interpret proposals maps are addressed.
One reason cited for delays in DPD production is the perceived onerous requirements in relation to the evidence base, placed on local authorities with changes in government guidance. However, the document makes a clear case that evidence should be proportionate and that much does not inform the content of the plan and is therefore unnecessary, reinforcing the guiding principles in Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Spatial Planning. It also makes clear that DPDs could be more concise and the document offers some suggestions.
Early Engagement visits
The Inspectorate is currently carrying out a programme of early engagement visits to authorities preparing DPDs and we hope Learning from Experience will also contribute to capacity and confidence building in authorities to prepare sound plans.
Early evaluation of feedback from Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) is demonstrating that the visits are making a difference.
LPAs such as the City of London have praised the initiative. As a result of the Inspector’s visit, the City of London decided to revisit the draft text of their Core Strategy and focus on those areas of work that were considered fundamental to delivery. The City of London is now consulting on its draft Core Strategy, which sets out its planning policies to 2026.
Inspector David Vickery said: "A week long advisory visit is like an extended exam or job interview – many and varied questions are raised which you have to answer. I am always conscious that the people I meet need helpful and clear advice and support. Often it is chiefly a matter of encouragement and confidence building to enable LDF teams to see the way forward in providing the most positive solutions for their area. Consequently I find a visit (I am shortly carrying out my seventeenth) both uplifting and very testing at the same time."
Roadshows
The next steps in this project will be to run a seminar and workshop programme to extend this educative dialogue with Inspectors. This will include regional ‘roadshows’, which will cover 21st Century Appeal Service; LDFs and Enforcement.
