|
|
planning-applications.co.uk |
|
INTERPRETING
LOCAL PLANS
Having
obtained a copy of your Local Plan or other Development Plan documents, it is
generally a good idea to settle down with a stiff drink and read the 'book'
from cover to cover.
Many
policies are interrelated, so avoid the trap of targeting your particular area
of interest. The policies you are tempted to ignore may have an unexpected
influence and apparently benign policies may have a sting in the tail. Clearly
though, if you are only interested in domestic matters the retail policies will
be of little interest, unless you are considering a change of use of a shop or
other development in a town centre.
Consider
the specific wording of the policy you are reading and any accompanying
comments. It is important to fully appreciate exactly how the policy has been
arrived at. The explanatory comments are often more revealing than the policy
itself.
Do
not ignore the numerous Appendices at the back of the Plan. These often contain
useful detail that could help or hinder your application.
Where
the policy contains a number of criteria, establish how many you can satisfy
and those that you cannot. Does your proposal need adjustment to better fit the
criteria the Council requires?
Do
speak to the relevant officer in the Planning Department for explanations of
their intentions. This may assist you in understanding how the Council has
arrived at the policy and whether they have properly considered all the issues.
Review
your position. Are you seeking something that is plainly out of the question or
are the policies favourable? Probably you will be somewhere in between, but
that’s' life!