Home > Planning > Planning policy > Local plan (2012-2031) > Pre Submission Local Plan

Pre Submission Local Plan

Pre-application Advice

The pre application and enquiry service has TEMPORARILY been SUSPENDED due to the high volume of applications we are receiving. Pre applications for major and strategic developments will continue to be accepted. 

If you are seeking advice on whether planning permission would be required please see our planning guides.

Alternatively you can submit a certificate of lawfulness application. 

Following consultation of the Preferred Options document, the Council has now published the full version of the Local Plan that it intends to submit to the Secretary of State (Planning Inspectorate). Consultation began on Friday 18th October and closed at 12 noon on Friday 29th November.

Following this consultation, the Council will compile and respond to representations received. An independent Planning Inspector will be appointed to hold an examination and assess whether the Local Plan is sound as stipulated by the tests of soundness contained within paragraph 182 of the NPPF where the Plan should be:

  • Positively prepared - the plan should be prepared based on a strategy which seeks to meet objectively assessed development and infrastructure requirements, including unmet requirements from neighbouring authorities where it is reasonable to do so and consistent with achieving sustainable development;
  • Justified - the plan should be the most appropriate strategy, when considered against the reasonable alternatives, based on proportionate evidence;
  • Effective - the plan should be deliverable over its period and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic priorities; and
  • Consistent with national policy - the plan should enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the Framework.

Electronic versions of the Plan and supporting documents are available to view online via the links below:

The Pre-Submission Local Plan

Evidence base documents can be viewed via the evidence base page.