Planning and regeneration

What is the Local Development Framework (LDF)?

The LDF is the new system of planning being introduced by the government. In the future the LDF will replace Croydon's Unitary Development Plan (UDP) as the main collection of planning policy documents within the council. The LDF is really just a folder of plans and planning documents which are collectively known as Local Development Documents (LDDs) and which comprise two main types of documents:

• Development Plan Documents (DPDs)
• Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs).

These documents can be downloaded from the Download the LDF documents link above.

Development Plan Documents (DPDs)

DPDs are statutory documents that the council must prepare and they provide the basis for all planning, development and conservation decisions in this area. There are several types of DPDs including Area Action Plans (AAPs) and the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).

Current and proposed DPDs

Preparation is currently underway on the Core Strategy and Site Allocations DPDs. For details see the Core Strategy link above.

The Croydon Metropolitan Centre Area Action Plan document is now at the preferred options stage with consultation on a draft embryonic plan expected in the New Year. The Issues and Options report can still be viewed via the Public Consultation associated link.

We are also preparing a Joint Proposed Waste Plan DPD, working with at least four south London boroughs - Croydon, Merton, Sutton and Kingston upon Thames. For more details go to the Proposed Waste Plan DPD link above.

We are not required to prepare a Minerals DPD. The new Minerals Policy 1 of the London Plan - Early Alteration does not require us to contribute to the apportionment for London. More information about minerals can be found via the Mayor of London London Plan associated link.

Croydon's Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)

Croydon's SCI was formally adopted on 27 July 2007. It sets out how and when the community and local stakeholders will be involved in preparation of local development documents (LDDs) for the LDF and in the consideration of planning applications.

Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS)

The RSS will set out the policies in relation to the development and use of land in the region. In London, the London Plan (the Regional Development Framework for London) is the equivalent of the RSS. These documents will be statutory under the new planning regime. The LDF is required to generally conform to this strategy.

The Local Development Scheme (LDS)

The LDS sets out our programme for assembling the LDF and preparing LDDs. It also identifies the plans and planning documents we intend to use for taking planning decisions. On 23 June 2008 we adopted a revised LDS, which can be downloaded below.

Annual Monitoring Reports (AMRs)

An Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) reports on the progress made in assembling the LDF and preparing the plans and planning documents set out in the programme and timetables of the last published LDS.

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)

SPDs contain detailed guidance on various planning matters and expand on the policies in the UDP. They are being prepared in line with the timetable set out in the LDS. Consultation on the sustainability appraisal scoping report for the forthcoming standards and requirements for the New Housing SPD is now underway. To view the document see the Public Consultation associated link.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA)

In accordance with the new statutory plan-making system, an SA is now required as part of the process of developing SPDs. SAs are now an integral part of producing planning documents under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (The Act). The purpose of the SA is to promote sustainable development through the better integration of sustainability considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans. You can find out more about SAs via the Scoping reports link above.

The scoping report is the first stage of the SA. It has been prepared as the basis for consultation on the scope and level of detail that should be included in the sustainability appraisal report for the DPD or SPD. It identifies the issues that we are seeking to fulfil in order to achieve sustainable development in Croydon.

To read more please download the documents from the Download the LDF documents and Scoping reports links above.

How can I get involved?

You can find out more about our SAs and take part in a public consultation using the Public Consultation website associated link.