Planning Policy Framework

This page provides an explanation of how the planning system works at different levels of governance. In preparing the Local Development Framework for the borough of Oadby and Wigston all levels of governance need taking account of.

National

The main planning legislation is the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (the 1990 Act) as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The acts give statutory force to the plan led system and provides a system that enables the whole community (businesses, other organisations, and the general public) to be fully involved in the shaping of planning policies for their area, through public participation processes.

Since 1988 the Government has been issuing national guidance in the form of Planning Policy Guidance notes (PPGs), Minerals Planning Guidance notes (MPGs) and, more recently, Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) and Mineral Policy Statements (MPSs). These set out the Government's policies on different aspects of planning. Local planning authorities must take these into account when preparing their development plans and any supplementary guidance. The guidance may also be material to decisions on individual planning applications and appeals.

Regional

Under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, each region is to have an adopted Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) which sets out the Secretary of State's policies, however expressed, in relation to the development and use of land within such region.

The objective of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. The RSS, incorporating a Regional Transport Strategy (RTS), provides a broad development strategy for the region for a fifteen to twenty year period. The RSS also informs the preparation of Local Development Documents (LDDs), Local Transport Plans (LTPs) and regional and sub-regional strategies and programmes that have a bearing on land use activities.

The borough of Oadby and Wigston is covered by the East Midlands Regional Plan (East Midlands adopted RSS), which has the main role of providing a strategy in which local authorities planning documents and Local Transport Plans can be prepared. It also forms part of the statutory 'Development Plan', therefore is a material consideration on individual planning applications and appeals.

On Tuesday, 6 July 2010 the Local Government Secretary, Eric Pickles, revoked Regional Spatial Strategies. However, the revocation of Regional Strategies was challenged in the High Court by Cala Homes and the outcome of which was announced on Wednesday, 10 November 2010. The revocation of Regional Strategies was found to be unlawful and as such they have been reinstated, although the Government maintains its commitment to revoke Regional Spatial Strategies through its Localism Bill. More information on the Government's intentions can be found on the Department for Communities and Local Government web site or by downloading the Letter to Chief Planning Officers July 2010 - Abolition of Rss (PDF Document, 93.69 Kb).

Local

The Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Structure Plan 1996 to 2016 has replaced the Leicestershire Structure Plan that covered the period up to 2006. The plan was prepared jointly by Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council. It provides a strategic planning framework for development and use of land consistent with national and regional policy. Structure plans guide the more detailed policies and proposals of Local Development Frameworks and decisions on planning applications. The plan covers important land use issues such as how many new houses are needed, creating major employment sites, new road proposals, providing for recreation, leisure and shopping, mining and the disposal of waste. However, new development needs will be balanced by preserving the area's unique historic, cultural and natural assets and by creating an environment that promotes the social and economic well being of local communities.

Leicestershire County Council is also responsible for Minerals and Waste Local Plans and the emerging Minerals and Waste Development Framework.