Test of soundness for local plans
Local plans are prepared by local planning authorities and set out a framework for the future development of an area on a 15-year horizon. They define; the priorities for an area, strategic policies, the framework for neighbourhood plans, land allocations, infrastructure requirements, housing needs, requirements for safeguarding the environment, measures for adapting to climate change and so on. They are are also the starting-point for considering whether planning applications should be approved.
The national planning policy framework (NPPF) requires that local plans are examined by an independent inspector to assess whether they have been prepared in accordance with the duty to cooperate, legal and procedural requirements, and whether it is sound. This is described as a ‘test of soundness’.
The national planning policy framework suggests that a local planning authority should submit a plan for examination which it considers is sound, namely that it is:
- Positively prepared – the plan should be prepared based on a strategy which seeks to meet objectively assessed development and infrastructure requirements, including unmet requirements from neighbouring authorities where it is reasonable to do so and consistent with achieving sustainable development.
- Justified – the plan should be the most appropriate strategy, when considered against the reasonable alternatives, based on proportionate evidence.
- Effective – the plan should be deliverable over its period and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic priorities.
- Consistent with national policy – the plan should enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the Framework.
The Planning Advisory Service (PAS) offer a local plan checklist intended to help local planning authorities work through the soundness requirements. The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) encourages local planning authorities to conduct a self-assessment using the checklist.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Authority monitoring report.
- Community plan.
- Development management.
- Development plan.
- Development plan documents.
- Local development scheme.
- Local plan.
- Neighbourhood plan.
- NPPF.
- Planning authorities.
- Planning permission.
- Saved policies.
- Skeffington Report.
- Statement of community involvement.
- Supplementary planning documents.
- The London Plan.
Featured articles and news
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.