Development Plan Documents (DPD's)

The planning policies and proposals in the Local Development Framework (LDF) documents should contribute to the objectives of sustainable development. Under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act and Regulations, Local Planning authorities are required to undertake Sustainability Appraisal for each of their Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs). The appraisal should consider the economic, social and environmental impacts of the plans. The Sustainability Appraisal (SA) should incorporate the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 20001/42/EC on the effects of certain plans and programmes, including LDFs, on the environment. This Directive came into force in the UK in July 2004.