Saved policies
The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced local development frameworks and regional spatial strategies to replace the previous system of county level structure plans, district level local plans, and unitary authority level unitary development plans. Rather confusingly the Localism Act 2011, and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) introduced in 2012, then reformed the plan preparation process again, replacing local development frameworks with the local plans and phasing out regional spatial strategies.
These local plans may be part of wider ‘development plans’ that include neighbourhood development plans and in London, the London Plan.
However, the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, made transitional provisions allowing old policies to be ‘saved’ for 3 years from the introduction of the Act on 28 September 2004. Beyond the transitional period, policies may be continue to be saved by direction of the Secretary of State, until they are replaced by an appropriate new policy in a development plan document.
In seeking direction for policies to be saved, local planning authorities must demonstrate that the development plan is up to date, that the policies reflect the vision and objectives of the development plan, that they are consistent with national planning policy and that it is not feasible or desirable to replace them.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.
















