Introduction to planning policy

Land use-planning policy has to take account of national and regional guidelines as well as the specific needs of key stakeholders and the citizens of Leeds.

There are three statutory documents which underpin local planning:

• The Regional Spatial Strategy : Provides a spatial framework to inform the preparation of local development documents, local transport plans and
  regional and sub-regional strategies and programmes
   
• The Local Development Framework (LDF) : The name given to the new system of development plans introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Rather than a single plan, the LDF takes the form of a portfolio of documents
   
• The Unitary Development Plan (UDP): The statutory development plan for the whole of the Leeds district. It provides a framework for all new developments and is used as a basis for making decisions regarding land use and planning applications. It will be gradually replaced by the emerging LDF.

Below is a list of pages  relevant to the planning process:

• Abbey Mills planning brief : Prepared to show how the conversion of the historically important Abbey Mills could be undertaken.
   
• Beeston Hill and West Hunslet regeneration : Regeneration plans to guide change and development in the area over the next 10-20 years.
   
• Biodiversity and development : Basic principles of biodiversity conservation and development
   
• City centre urban capacity study update 2006: Up to date picture of developments in the city centre and adjoining areas
   
• City centre urban design strategy : Provide a working tool which can be used to encourage good distinctive design proposals
   
• Compulsory purchase orders : Note on the compulsory purchase order process
   
• Conservation areas : Maps showing the conservation areas in Leeds
   
• Conservation area appraisals: Completed conservation area appraisals and a range of other supporting information
   
• Conservation and heritage: A note on conservation and heritage, with historical maps
   
• Countryside strategy - introduction: The strategy aims to take a comprehensive view of the key issues facing the countryside, complements the relevant land-use policies and proposals of the UDP
   
• Green belt policy : Background note on green belt policy
  
• Holbeck Urban Village: Holbeck Urban Village Revised Planning Framework was adopted as supplementary planning guidance, February 2006
   
• Holt Park District Centre: Consultation on the regeneration of Holt Park District Centre
   
• Housing : Provides details on the Leeds Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2007. There are links to the Housing Land Monitors, Informal Housing Policy & Practice, Affordable Housing (SPG3), planning guidance on affordable housing and SHLAA.
   
• Kirkstall Road Renaissance Area - Planning Framework : The planning framework promotes the regeneration of the Kirkstall Road area and sets out key principles and options for the redevelopment of land and buildings.
   
• Leeds Employment Land Review: The study, by Arup, forms one part of the evidence base for the LDF and will be used to inform the development of relevant LDF documents
   
• Leeds Waterfront Strategy : Key document to guide the regeneration of Leeds waterfront
   
• Little London Development Framework : The aim of the document is to promote the regeneration of Little London to make it a more attractive place to live. It also sets out proposals for environmental improvements
   
• Listed buildings : Background note and details of listed buildings in Leeds
   
• Mabgate Development Framework : Addresses immediate development pressures in the area and will provide supporting material for the production of the City Centre, and EASEL Area Action Plans
   
• Nature conservation : The work of the Nature Conservation Section in the Parks and Countryside Division
   
• Neighbourhoods for living: Provides the Leeds dimension for national urban design guidance on residential development. It was adopted in 2003 as Supplementary Planning Guidance to the UDP
   
• Shop front security guide: A note on shopfront security
   
• Strategic flood risk assessment : The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment is supporting evidence to the Local Development Framework
   
• SHLAA: The strategic housing land availability assessment
   
• Supplementary planning guidance (SPG) : Provide a more detailed explanation of how the strategic policies of the UDP can be practically implemented. SPGs available as downloads
   
• Sustainable development design guide: Sets out how the principles of sustainability can be put into practice
   
• Town centre strategies and action plans: Note on the promotion and protection of town centres and list of publications
   
• Village and neighbourhood design statements: Produced by local communities, and supported by Leeds City Council, as a means of fostering good design, appropriate to its local context. Adopted documents available

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