Planning Policy Frequently Asked Questions

The planning system operates via a hierarchy of plans from the national level, through the region to the local level. Only policy produced at the regional and local level can form the statutory development plan which guides all planning decisions unless other materials factors indicate otherwise.

Most of the local policies are set out in the Local Plan and through the Local Development Framework (LDF). Over time, policies contained in the Local Plan will be replaced by those in the Borough Local Plan and the Neighbourhood Plans.

In addition to local policies, the Council is required to consider those established at a regional and national level.