Local Plan Review - Further Information

The Local Plan should be referred to first when making planning decisions or proposing a development in Southampton. The document should be read alongside other emerging Development Plan Documents (DPDs) such as the Core Strategy and also a range of Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) such as the Residential Design Guide SPD or Planning Obligations SPG. Links to these are given below.

The Local Plan Review is monitored as part of the LDF Annual Monitoring Report. Planning decisions are also made with regard to community consultation (such as comments on a planning application or new development plan). The procedure for which is outlined in the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).

The Local Plan was prepared under the old 1990 Planning Act. The Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act, 2004 abolished the old Local Plans system. The Council will be working towards replacing the Local Plan as part of the Local Development Framework (LDF) over the forthcoming years.

Core Strategy: Planning Southampton to 2026

The aim of the planning system is to achieve an excellent layout for developments such as buildings, parks and streets providing an attractive environment in which to live, work and enjoy. Successful planning produces a city which looks and feels good. In order for this to happen new development must be 'sustainable'. The Core Strategy is a major document that will form the overall spatial vision and development framework for Southampton looking towards 2026.

Residential Design Guide SPD

The Residential Design Guide (RDG) supplements the Local Plan Review. It outlines principles for making better places for living and provides detailed design guidance to transform the city and its neighbourhoods. It should be referred to for all residential developments including householder extensions.

Planning Obligations SPG

The City Council has produced guidance on Planning Obligations. Sometimes when granting planning permission the Council will ask for money to spend on things such as the roads, open spaces or affordable housing. The aim of the guidance is to provide clarity and certainty over what money will be asked for, otherwise known as a 'section 106' contribution.

Annual Monitoring Report

The Annual Monitoring Reports (AMR) into the progress of the Local Plan Review and the Local Development Framework are available here. Two AMRs have now been produced. The present document covers the period 1st April 2005 to 31st March 2006.

Statement of Community Involvement

The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) outlines the city council's principles for involving people in the planning process. The document is important as it sets out how the city council will consult with people on planning applications and on producing planning documents.