This development plan system will remain in place until replaced by the Local Development Framework format. To review the current system go to DEVELOPMENT PLANS. To review the new system go to LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK.

Local Plans - interpret the broad Structure Plan policies at a District Council level in great detail often for specific sites. National Parks also produce Local Plans for their areas.

The Local Plan is (currently) the most important planning document you will need to look at before preparing your planning application.

The Plan for your area is available for inspection or purchase at your local planning department and many local libraries will also keep a copy.

The Plan contains detailed 'Proposals Maps' for the whole District to an Ordnance Survey base, which illustrate a wide range of information, such as: -

• Settlement boundaries around cities, towns and villages.

• Land allocations for housing, commercial and industrial development.

• Green Belt, Special Landscape areas, public open space, SSSI's etc.

• Transport proposals for road, rail and air.

• Educational and other social proposals.

• Conservation Areas and other issues of special interest.

The Proposals Maps are linked to written policies in the Plan, which specify the way in which development may or may not be permitted. Certain policies may prohibit development in certain areas or circumstances altogether, whilst others will establish detailed criteria which must be satisfied if development is to be allowed.