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 and news
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.