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What is the Development Plan

The development plan is made up of two parts - the Structure Plan and the Local Plan. Between them they show how much development may take place, where it will take place and where it is unlikely to be allowed. Development plans are the basis for decisions on planning applications. They contain policies for the future development and use of land in an area. Plans can cover a wide range of issues such as housing, transport, employment, shopping, recreation and conserving and protecting the countryside. Plans should be kept up to date and reviewed on no more than a 5-year cycle, testing for continued effectiveness and relevance, with policies either reaffirmed or replaced.