Environment
21 November 2008


The New Planning System

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced a radically revised planning system for England.  It introduced the concept of the Local Development Framework, to replace the District Local Plan and the County Structure Plan.  One important emphasis is that Local Planning Authorities now need to adopt a "spatial" approach, which goes well beyond traditional land-use planning.  This means bringing together and integrating other policies and programmes which influence the way places function, including the community plan. The new system also provides opportunities for greater community involvement throughout the entire plan preparation process but not just at the final stages.

Major Changes of the planning system:

Old System New System

Local Plan

 Local Development Framework
Minerals and Waste Local Plan Minerals and Waste Local Development Framework
Structure Plan Saved for a temeporary period until 28th September 2007. Abolished thereafter.
Regional Planning Guidance (not a Development Plan Document) Regional Spatial Strategy (South East Plan) (is a Development Plan Document).
Inspector's report is recommendation only Inspector's report will be binding