Spatial development strategy
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in December 2024, defines a spatial development strategy (SDS) as: ‘A plan containing strategic policies prepared by a Mayor or a combined authority. It includes the London Plan (prepared under provisions in the Greater London Authority Act 1999) and plans prepared by combined authorities that have been given equivalent plan-making functions by an order made under the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (as amended).’
The Open consultation: Areas for producing spatial development strategies (SDSs) published by the government 12 February 2026 describes spatial development strategies thus:
"SDSs are high-level spatial plans looking ahead at least 20 years. They will set the framework for local plans, which will have to be in general conformity with the relevant SDS. The draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which is currently out to consultation, contains proposed policy on the content of an SDS and we welcome views on this through that consultation. SDSs will ensure that sub-regional areas can effectively plan to:
- to meet their housing needs
- co-ordinate the provision of strategic infrastructure
- grow their economies
- improve the environment and climate resilience
"They will set a spatial framework for their area, identifying the appropriate scale of growth and development, and they may also identify the need for regeneration, protection or improvement of the built or natural environment.
"SDSs can identify broad locations for growth and development and the necessary infrastructure needed to support that growth. This may entail the re-distribution of housing need and other development needs between local planning authorities and may include specific policies for development or to be taken into account by local planning authorities when preparing or updating their local plans.
"It is important to stress that SDSs are not big local plans. They cannot be site-specific or allocate/designate particular sites. The site-specific role is preserved for local plans, which will have to be in ‘general conformity’ with the SDS once it has been adopted. The government does not intend to set a limit or range on the size or length of SDSs, but they are expected to be succinct, and not get into detail or locally specific issues."
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