Introduction to Local Development
Frameworks
The new planning system introduced in 2004 requires local
authorities to produce "Local Development Frameworks"
(LDFs). These will eventually replace local plans. You can see an
outline of the various parts of an LDF, and check progress
with them in West Lancashire, by following the links below.
For a more general overview of the new system, the Planning
Portal website (external link) has an interactive diagram
showing how the different components of the LDF fit together.
Local Development Framework Links
The LDF is made up of several different documents. Please
follow the links below to view the various LDF documents, and to
see what stage the Council is at in preparing them.
Consultation
One of the main principles behind the new planning system is
community involvement. We will be consulting far more frequently
than under the former planning system.
> Read our consultation page
> Join
our consultation database (external link)
Newsletter
We intend to keep people up-to-date with LDF matters via a
newsletter. Our latest newsletter was sent out in July
2008.
> Download the July 2008 LDF
newsletter
> Download the March 2008 LDF
newsletter
Background to the LDF
In September 2004, the government introduced a complex new
planning system to England via the Planning and Compulsory Purchase
Act. The new planning system was intended to be simpler and more
flexible than the old one, and able to respond to changes in local
circumstances. It is based on a number of main principles including
sustainable development and community involvement.
Under this new system, all local authorities are required to
produce a "Local Development Framework" (LDF). The LDF is a set of
documents whose purpose is to guide future development within a
local authority's area. In addition, planning applications will be
assessed against it. LDFs will eventually
replace Local and Structure Plans (or Unitary Development
Plans in Metropolitan Boroughs).
At the time the 2004 Act came into force, West Lancashire District
Council was well advanced with its preparation of the Replacement West
Lancashire Local Plan. We opted to continue working on this
plan, and adopted it in July 2006. At the same time,
we started work on our LDF documents, and these will
eventually replace the Local Plan.
Contact us
> Planning Policy contact details