Charnwood Local Development Framework (LDF)

Charnwood Borough Council Local Plans team is busy preparing the Charnwood Local Development Framework (LDF), the new planning framework for the Borough up to 2016 and beyond.

Two new LDF documents are now published for consultation until 8th July 2005:
• Statement of Community Involvement (Submission Draft)
• Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (Consultation Draft)

The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), now in its final draft form, is a key document in the folder of Local Development Framework Documents. It sets out how the Council will involve and consult residents and key organisations in drawing up the LDF and in making decisions on planning applications. Comments are invited before the document is looked at by an independent inspector.

The Council is also consulting on the draft Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This will clarify the Council’s policies on affordable housing. It increases the proportion of affordable homes the Council will seek to negotiate for on a new housing schemes to a minimum of 30% and sets clear guidelines about how the Council will determine the type and tenure of new housing as well as its design and layout.

The Council is keen to hear your views. The closing date for comments is 8th July 2005.

Councillor Cameron Macleod, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, said

“Planning shapes the places where people work and live. Local residents and businesses must have the chance to play a role in delivering successful and inclusive planning. Community involvement is vitally important to planning and to achieving sustainable development.

Over the last few months the Council has been looking at how it can involve the local community and key organisations in drawing up a new planning framework for Charnwood. The Statement of Community Involvement shows how the Council will do this.”

Copies of the documents will be available for inspection at the Council offices, in libraries across Charnwood and on the Council’s website www.charnwood.gov.uk

Roadshows will be held at a number of venues across the Borough. These will give the opportunity to discuss with officers the proposals set out in the SCI and SPD. Unmanned exhibitions will also be held at libraries and at the Council Offices. Further details are available from the Council’s website.