Development proposal DP

[edit] Introduction

Development, in terms of land, property or real estate, is a complex process of coordinating a range of activities to transform ideas and plans for the creation of a built asset into physical reality. As a business process, it typically involves the financing, construction, renovation or refurbishment of buildings and land in order to make a profit.

For more information see: Development.

A proposal is a plan, idea, suggestion or offer that is put forward for consideration and if accepted, may form the basis of future action.

In a general sense, a development proposal (DP) is an idea or plan that is presented for the purpose of exploring the creation of a site, built asset or activity. A development proposal may be presented to organisations or authorities for consideration and/or approval.

[edit] DPs in England

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out government planning policy for England. It was first published by the then Department for Communities and Local Government on 27 March 2012.

The 2021 update of the NPPF incorporated recommendations for DPs to consider when assessing sites that could be allocated for the creation of certain types of plans or for specific development applications. Under these recommendations, site assessment should ensure that the DP incorporates several characteristics, including:

• Appropriate opportunities to promote sustainable transport modes based on the type of development and its location.
• Safe and suitable access to the site for all users.
• The design of streets, parking areas, other transport elements and the content of associated standards reflecting current national guidance, including the National Design Guide and the National Model Design Code.
• Any significant impacts from the development on the transport network (in terms of capacity and congestion), or on highway safety, are cost effectively mitigated to an acceptable degree.

The NPPF also noted that any DPs within the National Forest and Community Forests in the Green Belt should be subject to the normal policies for controlling development in Green Belts.

[edit] DPs in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the term DP has a specific meaning associated with area planning for schools and related infrastructure. Article 14 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986 defines a DP as ‘...the statutory means by which proposed changes of significance to education provision can be affected. The changes proposed must align with the current Area Plan and Annual Action Plan for education provision’.

In Northern Ireland, a DP is required under Article 14 before any changes can be made to a school building. All DPs are published by the Education Authority (EA).

Legislation also requires that the Education Authority publish all DP advertisements in at least one of the newspapers distributed within the local vicinity of the proposed development. Once the advertisement for the DP is published, a two month period of comment - including support and objections - commences.

The Department of Education published Circular 2017/09 - Guidance on the publication of a Development Proposal (updated September 2018) which provides detailed guidance describing the DP process.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• A guide to the updated National Planning Policy Framework.
• Business case for construction projects
• Consultant's proposals for design and construction.
• Local plan.
• National planning policy framework NPPF.
• Neighbourhood development order.
• Planning obligation.

[edit] External resources

• Department of Education, Guidance on the publication of a Development Proposal (updated September 2018).
• Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, National Planning Policy Framework (2021).