Regional and national planning policy
As its name suggests, the Local Development Framework
(LDF) guides development in the local area. The LDF
must be consistent with wider policies, both at a regional and
national level.
National planning policy
Central government planning policy is set out in a series of
planning policy guidance notes, which are gradually being replaced
with planning policy statements. For more details, or to view or
download these documents,
visit the Communities and Local Government website (external
link).
Regional plans
In addition to "local" documents (i.e. at District level), the
development plan for West Lancashire includes the "Regional Spatial
Strategy (RSS) for the North West". This document covers the whole
of the north west of England, and contains general planning
policies for the area. In particular, the RSS sets the
housing land requirements for West Lancashire.
The RSS was adopted on 30 September 2008. To view or
download the RSS, visit
the Government Office for the North West website (external
link)
The RSS will undergo a Partial Review as soon as it is
adopted. To find out more about this process, visit the North
West Plan Partial Review website (external link).
Lancashire structure plan
Until the new RSS was adopted, the Joint Lancashire Structure
Plan formed part of the development plan for West Lancashire
District. This plan no longer has any weight.
Lancashire County Council are preparing a Minerals
and Waste Development Framework (external link).