Development Plan Document (DPD)

A document produced by a local planning authority that makes up part of the Local Development Framework and thus the Development Plan. Development Plan Documents set out the authority’s policies and proposals for development. The authority must make decisions on planning applications in accordance with the DPDs (together with the Regional Spatial Strategy), unless other material considerations indicate they should do otherwise. There are three types of Development Plan Document that a local planning authority is required to prepare:

  • the Core Strategy,
  • Site-Specific Allocations document, and
  • the Proposals Map.

In addition the authority can prepare optional Development Plan Documents: Area Action Plans

  • thematic documents, concerned for example with housing, employment, shopping development, and generic Development Control Policies.

All DPDs go through several stages of preparation including opportunities for community involvement and independent examination. They also have to undergo a sustainability appraisal.

Before the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 the equivalent of the Development Plan Documents were the Unitary, Structure and Local Plans. Those completed or begun before the new Act continue to be relevant in making decisions on planning applications until new Development Plan Documents are in place.