The Joint Planning Unit initiated its work on the Local Development Framework (LDF) in October 2004. The first key step in this process was the preparation of the Joint Local Development Scheme (LDS), which was submitted to the Secretary of State in March 2005. Following revisions to the LDS, it was re-submitted and the Joint Committee LDS, formally agreed in July 2005 and came into effect on 5th August 2005.
The LDS for North Northamptonshire, which incorporates the Joint Committee LDS and the four district/ borough LDSs, sets out the work programme and timetable for the preparation of the North Northamptonshire LDF. This programme is best illustrated at Appendix 3 of the LDS.
As part of the preparation of the Joint Core Spatial Strategy, there was consultation on Issues and Options in June and July 2005. Responses received were analysed and presented to the Joint Planning Committee. These informed the preparation of the Preferred Options Paper which is being consulted on between November 2005 and January 2006. Following this, the Joint Core Spatial Strategy will be submitted to the Secretary of State, and there will be an examination before an independent planning inspector, before its formal adoption in 2007.
Alongside the preparation of the Local Development Framework and the Core Spatial Strategy is the requirement for Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of planning documents. The purpose of the Sustainability Appraisal is to ensure that the potential sustainable development implications of the Core Spatial Strategy are assessed and tested.
The Joint Planning Unit prepared a Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report, which was consulted on in May and June 2005. Baker Associates was subsequently commissioned to produce the Sustainability Appraisal of the Preferred Options. The final Sustainability Appraisal will be submitted to the Secretary of State, alongside the Submission of the Core Spatial Strategy.
The new planning system requires that planning documents are sound and based on a robust evidence base. The Joint Planning Unit has commissioned a number of studies (see Library) to inform the preparation of the Joint Core Spatial Strategy and also prepared an Urban Extensions Study, to assess the most suitable locations for Sustainable Urban Extensions to Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough.
Another requirement of the new planning system is the production of a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). A joint Statement of Community Involvement has been prepared to cover the Joint Planning Committee and the district and borough councils. This sets out how the local planning authorities will consult with and involve interested parties in the preparation of planning policy and guidance documents in North Northamptonshire and decisions on planning applications for development in North Northamptonshire.
Consultation on the pre-submission SCI was undertaken throughout February and March 2005, with the response summary presented to the JPC. Outcomes of the consultation feedback then guided preparation of the submission SCI. This is being consulted on between December 2005 and January 2006. Following this consultation, it may be necessary for an examination in public, where an independent inspector may make amendments to the SCI before it is formally adopted.
