Planning for growth within the Leeds district requires consideration of how to achieve long term economic prosperity, improved environmental quality, maintaining and enhancing local identify and distinctiveness. Planning policy within the District is currently contained in a number of Statutory Documents.
The Local Development Framework (LDF) (the local plan)
The Local Development Framework (LDF) is the name given to the new system of Development Plans introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The Local Development Framework will gradually replace the Unitary Development Plan. Rather than a single plan, the LDF takes the form of a portfolio of documents
Planning Policy
Land use planning policy has to take account of national and regional guidelines as well as the specific needs of key stakeholders and the citizens of Leeds. Planning policy is also contained in a number of documents, briefs and schemes. It is also concerned with spatial accuracy, updated through street naming and numbering and the Land and Property Gazetteer.
The Unitary Development Plan (UDP)
The Unitary Development Plan is the statutory development plan for the whole of the Leeds district. It provides a framework for all new developments and is used as a basis for making decisions on planning applications. It will gradually be replaced by the emerging LDF.
Neighbourhood Planning
Following the introduction of the Localism Act (November 2011), communities are able to prepare neighbourhood plans. Once adopted these documents will form part of the development plan.
Regional Spatial Strategy
Regional Spatial Strategy provides a spatial framework to inform the preparation of local development documents, local transport plans and regional and sub-regional strategies and programmes.
Community Infrastructure Levy
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a new levy which the Council will charge on developers or landowners when they build new developments.
