Last edited 14 Dec 2020

Local development scheme LDS

Local development schemes (LDS) were introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act which came into force in September 2004. The requirements set out in the Act were amended in 2011 by the introduction of the Localism Act.

Local development schemes are prepared by local planning authorities and set out the programme for preparing the development plan documents (DPD) that will make up the local plan. Local plans create the framework for the future development of an area and are the starting-point for considering whether planning applications should be approved.

The Localism Act omitted specific requirements for the content of local development schemes, which had previously been set out in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, however, they may include:

A schedule of development plan documents and supplementary planning documents.
Information about the subject matter and geographical area to which each document relates.
Information about which documents have been adopted.
Details of any documents that will be prepared jointly with other local planning authorities.
The timetable for the preparation and revision of documents.
When the local community will be able to become involved in the process.

Local planning authorities are required to submit a local development scheme to the Secretary of State who may direct them to make amendments to the scheme to ensure effective coverage of the authority's area by the development plan documents.

The local planning authority must revise their local development scheme at such time as they consider appropriate, or when directed to do so by the Secretary of State.

The local planning authority must make available to the public:

The up-to-date text of the scheme.
A copy of any amendments made to the scheme.
Up-to-date information showing the state of the authority's compliance (or non-compliance) with the timetable.