LONDON BOROUGH OF BROMLEY · BROMLEY LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Background Bromley, like other local planning authorities, is required to prepare a development

LONDON BOROUGH OF

BROMLEY

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

VERSION 3

September 2007

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Contents

Page 1. Introduction 1 Background Changes to the Planning System

2. Bromley Local Development Scheme 1

3. Local Development Framework Process 2 Proposed Development Plan Documents Supplementary Planning Documents Statement of Community Involvement Annual Monitoring Report Conformity and integration with other strategies

4. Bromley Local Development Framework Programme 4 Table 1: Programme management 5 Unitary Development Plan 6 Saved Policies Supplementary Planning Guidance Table 2: Supplementary Planning Guidance 7 Local Development Plan Document Profiles: 8 1. Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan (DPD) 2. Core Strategy (DPD) 3. Site Allocations (DPD) 4. Development Standards (DPD) 5. Affordable Housing (SPD) 6. Planning Obligations (SPD) 7. Orpington Town Centre Master Plan (SPD) 5. Supporting Statement 15 The Bromley Context Priorities for the LDF Project Management and Resources Decision making Risk Assessment and proposed contingencies Evidence base Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment Monitoring Information about progress on LDF Figure 1: Preparation of Development Plan Documents 23 Figure 2: Preparation of Supplementary Planning Documents 24 Figure 3: Relationship between Local Development Plan Documents 25 6. Glossary 26

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BROMLEY LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background Bromley, like other local planning authorities, is required to prepare a development plan to provide a framework for the development or use of land and against which to consider planning applications. The current development plan is the Bromley Unitary Development Plan, which was adopted in July 2006. The Spatial Development Strategy for London (the London Plan, 2004) prepared by the Mayor for London is also part of the statutory development plan for the area.

1.2. Changes to the Planning System The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced a new system of preparing development plans, which requires Bromley to progressively replace the adopted UDP with a portfolio of local development documents (LDDs) that will form a Local Development Framework (LDF). The new planning framework is intended to make the planning system more responsive to changing circumstances. It aims to speed up plan preparation, achieve more effective community involvement in planning, and ensure that plans are monitored and reviewed and kept up-to-date.

2. BROMLEY LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

As a starting point for the implementation of the new framework, the Council prepared a Local Development Scheme, which was published on 26 April 2005. A revised version (V2) was adopted on 20th November 2006. This document updates the second Bromley Local Development Scheme (LDS). The LDS illustrates how the preparation of the LDF will be managed over the three-year period to 2010, and beyond. It provides a starting point for the local community to find out what the Council’s current planning policies are and sets out the programme for the preparation of LDDs to replace those policies. The LDS outlines:

what documents the Council proposes to prepare and the timetable for

their preparation; an explanation of the relationships between the various documents; the arrangements and responsibilities for project management of the

LDF; and the arrangements for monitoring progress against the milestones in the

LDS; Preparing the LDS is a mandatory requirement. It was submitted to the Secretary of State for approval, via the Government Office for London (GOL) in July 2007. The Council is keeping in regular contact with GOL over the annual review of the LDS, or when necessary.

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3. THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK PROCESS The LDF will consist of a portfolio of Local Development Documents (LDDs), of which there are two types:

Development Plan Documents (DPDs) – spatial planning documents prepared by the Borough that will be subject to a statutory adoption process including independent examination and will have development plan status. See Figure 1; and

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) – non-statutory documents

approved by the Council after public consultation but not subject to independent examination. See Figure 2.

The new framework also requires the preparation of a Statement of Community Involvement and Annual Monitoring Report.

3.1. Development Plan Documents The Act requires the following the following documents: Core (Spatial) Strategy will set out a vision and key strategic policies and spatial strategy for the Borough. It will be based on the objectives of the revised UDP and will establish the key elements of the planning framework for the area. It will reflect national planning policy and the London Plan. It will be kept up-to-date and, once adopted, all other development plan documents must be in conformity with it. Development Policies and Site Allocations will be a suite of criteria-based policies which will ensure that development within the Borough accords with the vision and strategy set out in the Core Strategy. Individual site allocations will be identified mainly through this document (although site specific land allocation will also occur in Area Action Plans). Proposals Map (with inset map(s) for Area Action Plan(s)) will show on an ordnance survey plan the geographical application of the policies and proposals contained within all the development plan documents. The current Proposals Map will be replaced as soon as the revised UDP is adopted and thereafter will be replaced whenever a new development plan document is adopted.

3.2. Supplementary Planning Documents Supplementary Planning Documents provide guidance and further detail on the application of policies and proposals contained in the DPDs. These documents do not form part of the statutory development plan and do not set out new policies.

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3.3. Statement of Community Involvement The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) is a document setting out the standards and the approach to involving stakeholders and the community in the preparation, alteration and continuing review of all local development documents and major planning applications and development control decisions. It is the Council’s service level agreement with the community and stakeholders. Bromley’s Statement of Community Involvement was adopted by the Council on 11 September 2006.

3.4. Annual monitoring Report

The Council has to submit an annual monitoring report to the Secretary of State on the implementation of the Local Development Scheme showing the extent to which policies set out in the local development documents are being achieved (see also section 5.8). The first AMR was submitted in December 2005.

3.5. General Conformity and integration with other plans and strategies Under the new planning system the LDF is expected to be in general conformity with national and regional policies, and reflect other local and partnership strategies and plans. The London Plan is the spatial expression of the strategies of the GLA (including the London Development Agency and Transport for London). It is now part of the development plan for the Borough and the LDF must be in general conformity with it. The Mayor is also preparing Supplementary Planning Guidance on various topics and a sub-regional development framework will help link the London Plan with the Borough’s LDF. The Council will establish a clear chain of general conformity by seeking to ensure that:

DPDs are consistent with government planning policies; DPDs and SPDs are in general conformity with the London Plan; DPDs and SPDs are consistent with the Bromley Core Strategy; and SPDs relate directly to adopted policies in the DPDs or the saved UDP.

The Bromley Community Plan sets out the long-term vision for the sustainable development of the Borough. It brings together many individual strategies endorsed by the Local Strategic Partnership. The Community Plan is kept under review and was updated in 2005. The LDF process will have regard to the Community Plan and ensure that land-use requirements arising from that Plan are addressed and vice versa. Other strategies prepared either by the Council or other organisations also have land-use implications, which will be taken into account in the preparation of the LDF in so far as they accord with the Community Plan. In particular, the LDF will take account of the following strategies:

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Local Implementation Plan (the local strategy for implementing the Mayor’s

Transport Strategy) Housing Strategy Asset Management Plan Performance Plan ‘Building a Better Bromley” Education Development Plan Biodiversity Action Plan Waste Management Strategy Air Quality Strategy Crime and Disorder Strategy The Cultural Strategy Primary Care Trust, Bromley Health Trust and Oxleas Mental Health Trust

Strategies The UDP also needs to be in general conformity with the London Plan

4. BROMLEY LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME Table 1 and Figure 3 set out the proposed Bromley LDF and identify the Local Development Documents to be prepared. The Table is a simple ‘Gantt’ chart providing an overview of the timetable and project management for preparing the LDS. The profiles in tables LDD1 – LDD 7 on pages 8 – 14 below, provide more details about the documents to be prepared. .


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Q3J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J

DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENTS

Bromley Area Action Plan CC SS P E R ACore Strategy I I CC SS P E R ASite Specific Allocations I CC SS P E R ADevelopment Standards I CC SS P E R ASUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENTS

Affordable Housing A

Planning Obligations CC A

Orpington Town Centre CC A

Annual Monitoring Report S S S S S

evidence gathering and preparation of document

I consultation on Issues and Options

C consultation on preferred options

preparation of final\submission document

S submission of document to Secretary of State and formal consultation

P pre-examination meeting

E examination

R Receipt of Inspector's Report

A adoption by Bromley Council

S submission of annual monitoring report

Q1 Q2Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4Q1 Q2 Q3 Q42010 2011 2012

Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q12007 2008 2009

Q2 Q3 Q4

Table 1 Programme Management


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4.1. Unitary Development Plan

The UDP was adopted in July 2006. This Plan now replaces the adopted UDP (1994).

4.2. Saved Policies

The adoption of the UDP provides an up-to-date plan, consistent with Government guidance and in general conformity with the London Plan. Following adoption its policies are ‘saved’ for three years until July 2009 and are part of the Development Plan (LDF) until then. It will continue to be the statutory planning document for development control purposes but as individual elements of the LDF are prepared and adopted, these will replace the ‘saved’ UDP. Providing the UDP remains in general conformity with National Planning Guidance, it may be desirable for the end of the saved period to be extended for those parts of the adopted UDP that remain relevant and have not been superseded. An extension to the saved period would need to be agreed by the Secretary of State at the appropriate time.

4.3. Supplementary Planning Guidance

The Council’s existing supplementary planning guidance (SPG) cannot be saved under the new system and can only remain in force while the relevant UDP policies are operational. All are currently linked to ‘saved’ policies and will be retained as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. Table 2 shows the current SPG linkages to ‘saved’ policies.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals are being prepared for 45 Conservation Areas. These appraisals will be combined with management strategies for each conservation area. The appraisals will not be Supplementary Planning Documents but will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.


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Table 2 Supplementary Planning Guidance

Supplementary Planning Guidance/

Information Leaflets (IL)

Links to saved Unitary

Development Plan Policies

Scheduled for review

General Development Principles

BE1/BE3 Subject to later review

Residential Design Extending your homes (IL)

H7/ H8/ H9/ H11 Subject to later review

Conservation Area Character appraisals and Guidance

BE9 Subject to later review

Shop fronts and security Shutters (IL)

S1/S2/S4/S5/BE9 Subject to later review

Archaeology (Fact Sheet) BE16 Subject to later review Advertisements BE21 Subject to later review

SPGs in draft but not published (to be taken forward as SPD) Telecommunications BE22 Subject to later review Green Building Design and Construction

ER3 /ER4 Yes

Affordable Housing H2 Yes Designing out crime BE1 Subject to later review Transport Assessments and Travel plans

T1 / T2 Subject to later review

Local Listed Building BE10 Subject to later review Golf Courses L1 No

4.4. Local Development Document Profiles In the initial stages of the LDS, it is not proposed to prepare any joint local development documents with adjoining authorities. However, the Council has worked in partnership with neighbouring boroughs to prepare a south London sub-regional framework as part of the London Plan. This sub-regional framework will inform subsequent document preparation. Should it be decided that a joint DPD or area action plan should be prepared; the LDS will be amended accordingly in subsequent reviews. To address the SoS’s representations for an early review of housing policies to meet the overall housing requirement and backlog, and the provision of sites for gypsies and travellers, the Council will commence work on a Core Strategy and Site Allocations DPD as soon as practicable. The Council will also need to respond to changes in strategic policy arising from the housing capacity and waste alterations and London Plan review, expected in 2008 (see also section 5.2). The following tables outline in detail each document proposed to form part of the Bromley Local development Framework.

BROMLEY LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME LDD 1 TITLE BROMLEY TOWN CENTRE AREA ACTION PLAN STATUS Development Plan Document ROLE & CONTENT

To provide a planning framework for development in Bromley town centre. The town centre is identified as a metropolitan centre in the London Plan and is the leading shopping, employment and administrative centre of the Borough. Part is designated as a Conservation Area. The Bromley Community Plan sets as a priority to develop Bromley as ‘a vibrant, safe and thriving town centre’. The Area Action Plan is intended to co-ordinate development interests and will include proposals for the development of sites for shopping, commercial, community uses, strategic employment, mixed-use housing areas, transport initiatives and environmental protection.

GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE

Bromley town centre (exact location to be defined in the AAP)

CHAIN OF CONFORMITY

In accordance with national planning policy guidance In general conformity with the London Plan In accordance with policies in the adopted UDP and policies to be

‘saved’ on adoption of the revised UDP UDP REPLACEMENT

The AAP will replace the policies in the UDP that specifically relate to Bromley town centre Lead Corporate Town Centre Steering

Group (comprising staff from planning, project management, transport planning, regeneration, resources and property sections)

Resources Staff resources as above (or as required to guide consultants) and financial allocation from PDG and Planning budget. Consultants have been appointed to run the project and carry out master planning and consultation. Consultants will also undertake SA/SEA work.

PRODUCTION

Stakeholder & Community Involvement

Local Strategic Partnership to provide link to community plan. Representatives of town centre dwellers and users. Development industry expertise

TIMETABLE AND KEY MILESTONES

Commencement Early stakeholder and

community engagement+ issues and options consultation

Preferred options participation Revised Preferred options Submission of DPD Pre-examination meeting Examination* Receipt of Inspector’s Report Estimated date of adoption*

February 05 May 05 –Dec 05

January 06 October 07 May 08 August 08 November 08 May 09 July 09

REVIEW Monitoring of developments and achievements within the town centre in the Annual Monitoring Report

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LDD 2 TITLE CORE SPATIAL STRATEGY STATUS Development Plan Document ROLE & CONTENT

To set out the key elements of the planning framework for Bromley, including the long-term spatial vision and strategic objectives for the Borough. It will reflect the spatial aspirations of the Community Strategy and contain a number of core policies and a monitoring and implementation framework. It will also address outstanding matters from the UDP Review on housing and gypsy site provision and waste policies


Borough-wide

CONFORMITY In general conformity with the London Plan and national planning policy

UDP REPLACEMENT

Will generally replace Part 1 of the UDP The Core Strategy will be a spatial plan which will be a different document to the UDP, which is a land use plan

Lead Planning Policy team and other sections of the Division

Resources Staff resources above (equivalent to 4 officers) and input from housing, transport and other relevant Council services. Consultants may be used for background research, subject to PDG funding

PRODUCTION


Planning database on consultees. Consultation and publicity in accordance with SCI

TIMETABLE & KEY MILESTONES

Evidence gathering & preparation of options

Consultation on Issues and Options (Reg 25)

Consultation on preferred options (Reg 26)

Appraisal and preparation of draft

Submission and public consultation (Reg 28)

Pre-examination meeting Public Examination* Receipt of Inspector’s

Report Adoption*

Feb 07 – Sept 08 March 08 –April 08

Oct 08 –Nov 08

Dec 08 – April 09

May 09 August 09 November 09 May 10

July 10

REVIEW Core Strategy will be monitored and reviewed through the

Annual Monitoring Report

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LDD 3 TITLE SITE SPECIFIC ALLOCATIONS STATUS Development Plan Document ROLE & CONTENT

To identify sites for uses to support the core strategy and policies, with particular emphasis on housing, gypsy & traveller, waste and community services site provision


Borough-wide

CONFORMITY In general conformity with the London Plan and national planning guidance

UDP REPLACEMENT

Will replace the Proposals Sites schedule in the emerging UDP Lead Planning Policy Team Resources Staff resources above (equivalent to 4

officers) and input from other relevant Council services Commencement shortly after work on core strategy towards concurrent adoption

PRODUCTION


Extensive database of individuals, groups, businesses etc. will be consulted in accordance with the SCI








Report Adoption*

Jan 08 – June 09 November 08 July 09 – August 09

Sept 09 – July 10

August 10

November 10 February 11 August 11

November 11

REVIEW Will be monitored and reviewed through the Annual

Monitoring Report * Indicative only as dependent on extent of representations made and on timescales driven by outside partners, principally the Planning Inspectorate

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LDD 4 TITLE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS STATUS Development Plan Document ROLE & CONTENT

To set out the policies and reasons for those policies that will be used to consider planning applications for development or change of use. The policies will be criteria-based and will cover issues such as residential amenity, protection of the natural and built environment, maintaining the vitality and viability of town centres and addressing highway and transport and waste issues

GEOGRAPHICALCOVERAGE

Borough-wide

CHAIN OF CONFORMITY

In general conformity with the London Plan and national planning guidance In conformity with the Core Strategy

UDP REPLACEMENT

Will replace Part 2 of the UDP

Lead Planning Policy Team Resources Staff resources as above (equivalent of 4

officers) and input from HUD, Development Control and other relevant Council services

PRODUCTION


Consultation and publicity in accordance with SCI requirements. Work will start shortly after the Core Strategy but towards concurrent adoption








Report Adoption*

Jan 09 – May 10 October 09 June 10 – July 10

Aug 10 – March 11

April 11

July 11 October 11 April 12

July 12

REVIEW Will be monitored and reviewed through the Annual Monitoring Report

* Indicative only as dependent on extent of representations made and on timescales driven by outside partners, principally the Planning Inspectorate

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LDD 5 TITLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING STATUS Supplementary Planning Document

ROLE & CONTENT

To provide guidance on the mechanisms for delivering affordable housing to meet identified needs and up-date a draft version published for consultation in 2002. It will clarify the implementation of policies on affordable housing and the split between social-rented and intermediate housing and how the Council will calculate affordable housing requirements. Guidance on off-site provision, in addition to design and layout guidance will be provided in accordance with relevant saved policies


Borough-wide

CONFORMITY In general conformity with the London Plan In accordance with saved UDP policy

UDP REPLACEMENT

N/A

Lead Planning Policy Team in conjunction with DC officers and Housing department officers

Resources Staff resources above (equivalent of one full-time officer available after July) and financial allocation from PDG or Planning Budget

PRODUCTION


Planning database of consultees Development industry and Housing RSLs


Evidence gathering / preparation of draft SPD

Public participation on draft SPD Adoption of SPD

July 05 – Dec 05 Oct 06 – Dec 06 September 07

REVIEW SPD will be reviewed as part of the Annual Monitoring Report. It is expected that SPD will remain valid alongside relevant saved policies or DPDs unless the review indicates that amendment or replacement is necessary

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LDD 6 TITLE PLANNING OBLIGATIONS STATUS Supplementary Planning Document

ROLE & CONTENT

To provide guidance on the requirements and mechanisms for infrastructure contributions and related social, economic, environmental and cultural provision (including transport, training and enterprise support, education and community facilities, safety and security features and open space) through developments in the Borough


Borough-wide

CONFORMITY In general conformity with the London Plan In accordance with saved UDP policies

UDP REPLACEMENT

N/A

Lead Planning project management team and DC officers

Resources Staff resources as above (equivalent of one full-time officer) and allocation from PDG or Planning Budget

PRODUCTION


Planning database of consultees Development industry




Mar 05 - Sept 05 November 07 April 08

REVIEW SPD will be reviewed as part of the Annual Monitoring Report. It is expected that SPD will remain valid alongside relevant saved policies or DPDs unless the review indicates that amendment or replacement is necessary

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LDD 7 TITLE ORPINGTON TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN STATUS Supplementary Planning Document

ROLE & CONTENT

To provide a planning framework for development in Orpington town centre. The town centre is a major centre in the London Plan and is the main shopping and leisure centre for the east of the borough. The Bromley Community Plan sets a priority to develop ‘vibrant, safe and thriving’ town centres. The master plan will co-ordinate regeneration proposals and guide development opportunities in the town centre.


Orpington town centre ( exact area to be defined in the master plan)

CONFORMITY In general conformity with the London Plan In accordance with saved UDP policy

UDP REPLACEMENT

N/A

Lead Corporate Town Centre Steering Group (comprising staff from planning, project management, transport planning, regeneration, resources and property sections)

Resources Staff resources as above / or as required to guide consultants/ and financial allocation from Town Centres Improvement Fund. Consultants have been appointed to run the project and carry out master planning and consultation. Consultants will also undertake SA/SEA work.

PRODUCTION


Local Strategic Partnership to provide link to community plan. Representatives of town centre dwellers and users. Development industry expertise




April 07 – Nov 07 Dec 07 – Jan 08 July 08

REVIEW Monitoring of developments and achievements within the town centre in the Annual Monitoring Report

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5. SUPPORTING STATEMENT

5.1. Bromley context The Borough is predominantly suburban in character with large tracts of open space and Green Belt. It has a boundary with six London Boroughs and the Counties of Kent and Surrey. Bromley plays a significant role as a commercial and employment location serving a wide part of southeast London and northwest Kent. There is a concentration of retail activity in Bromley town centre (designated as a metropolitan centre). The ‘major’ centre of Orpington and a range of district centres, which meet many local needs, complement this. The St Mary Cray and Foots Cray (St Pauls Cray) Industrial Business Areas are identified as Strategic Employment Locations in London. The attractive environment as well as good schools and easy access to central London mean that the area is in demand for residential development, which commands high prices. Despite this the Borough is having difficultly meeting the additional homes target of 11,450 (1997-2016) with an annual monitoring target of 570 (reduced to 485 from 2007 as part of the London Plan alterations). There is a need to balance the Borough’s high environmental standards and protect open space with strategic housing requirements as determined by the London Plan. The retail market is relatively buoyant, though there is evidence that some town centres are losing market share to competing centres, which are expanding. The office market is less buoyant with demand constrained by lack of suitable accommodation and supply of new sites. With high residential values, there is pressure to change employment land to residential, which the Council has generally resisted so as to retain a stock of employment land to meet borough needs. As part of London, transport issues are a local concern, particularly congestion, car parking levels (both on and off-street) and provision of public transport and road safety. Transport policies will be reviewed in conjunction with the production of the Borough’s Local Implementation Plan, currently underway.

5.2. Identified priorities The Unitary Development Plan (2006) provides an up-to-date development plan framework for the borough. This document is the culmination of several years work based on extensive public consultation with stakeholders and the local community. Its adoption was, therefore, regarded as a high priority, particularly as the saved policies will provide the basis for the preparation of DPDs and SPDs, pending preparation of a new Core Strategy. The Statement of Community Involvement has also been prioritised because the Council is keen to continue to have effective community involvement in the planning process, and to clarify at an early stage how this is done. The Inspector’s Report into the examination of the draft SCI was received in July 2006. The Council adopted the amended SCI in September 2006.

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A study published in 2004 confirmed that Bromley town centre is a popular and successful shopping and leisure destination, which is suffering in the face of investment and development in other large neighbouring centres. However, whilst there is evidence of strong market demand and floor space capacity, the ability of the centre to maintain its retail position could be jeopardised by a lack of suitable identified development sites. In accordance with the Council priority of having ‘vibrant, thriving and safe town centres’, it is vital that a mixed-use master plan is prepared to take a pro-active and comprehensive approach to development within the centre. The preparation of plans for other town centres will be kept under review. Under the new system an Area Action Plan (initially based on ‘saved’ policies in the UDP) is the necessary tool to set a planning framework in place for the redevelopment proposals. Consultants were appointed to undertake this task in February 2005. Stakeholder and community engagement was undertaken through workshops held between May and December 2005 leading to public consultation on preferred options in January 2006. The extent of work on traffic modelling to inform the sustainability appraisal of the preferred options means that public participation on the revised preferred options is rescheduled to October 2007. Submission of the draft AAP to the secretary of State will follow in May 2008. In accordance with Building a Better Bromley priorities the Council agreed in December 2006 to prepare a master plan to guide the regeneration and development of Orpington town centre. The master plan SPD will be prepared by consultants The Core Strategy will set the future vision, spatial strategy and core polices from which other DPDs and SPDs will flow. Although Part 1 of the UDP already provides a robust strategy for the Borough, preparation of a new Core Strategy will address, amongst other things, the identified housing and waste policy issues, so as to be in a position to respond to changes in the strategic context. The Core Strategy will address new targets set in line with the results of the GLA Housing Capacity Study, finalised in 2006. Planning Policy Statement 10 waste (July 2005) has placed detailed requirements on local authorities to provide policies and site specific proposals for dealing with an identified amount of waste through their development plan documents in the LDF. There is a requirement to allocate sites to support the amount of waste apportioned to the borough for at least a ten-year period. Preliminary borough waste level apportionments have now been published as Draft Minor Alterations to the London Plan (December 2006). These are subject to an Examination in Public in June 2007 and may vary as a result. They will not be formally adopted until 2008. The waste apportionments have

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been allocated amongst London Boroughs to ensure that London’s target for 85% self sufficiency in dealing with its waste arising is achieved by 2020. The five south-east London boroughs (Bromley, Bexley, Greenwich, Lewisham, Southwark) are co-operating sub-regionally in safeguarding / allocating sites to manage their collective waste apportionment. This approach reflects existing and extensive waste-related contractual inter-dependencies. The five boroughs will produce a joint technical paper in 2007 explaining how this collective approach will meet the London Plan apportionment requirements. The technical paper will serve as a common background document within each Borough's LDF Evidence Base. The Bromley approach to waste planning is to be set out in the Core Strategy DPD. The Core Strategy will contain specific policies and proposals for waste management; providing safeguarding of existing sites identified in the Technical Paper, along with specific policy criteria to assess applications for new waste management facilities. The identification of appropriate locations for additional waste facilities, if needed, will be added to the scope of the Site Specific Allocations DPD. Existing draft supplementary planning guidance on the provision of affordable housing will be up-dated as SPD. A SPD is proposed to provide guidance on the local benefits the Council would wish to see accrue through planning obligations arising from development. Targets have been revised to reflect more accurately the time needed for preparation of sustainability appraisals, to address matters raised during public consultation and respond to emerging Government guidance.

5.3. Project Management and Resources The Development Plan Policy Team of the Council’s Planning Division is the core team primarily responsible for production of the LDF. The team consists of: Head of Development Plan 4 Policy Planners (including 2 part-time planners) 1 Trainee Planner 1 Environmental Appraisal Officer Overall management responsibility is with the Chief Planner. The core team is responsible for all stages of LDF preparation As appropriate, other staff from the Project Management Team, the Heritage and Urban Design and Development Control sections of the Planning Division provide assistance. Subsequent preparation of the Core Strategy and other stages of the LDF will require corporate assistance from community plan, property, regeneration, education, housing and transportation planning staff, co-ordinated through a LDF Steering Group comprising appropriate key officers, chaired by the Chief Planner. In addition to making the best use of internal resources, consultants

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may be appointed to undertake specific projects where there is a lack of expertise or capacity in-house. The LDD profiles give details of management arrangements and resources for each document. The Planning Division Budget has made provision for some LDF costs. Further money will need to be allocated from within the Planning Development Grant and the Town Centre Improvement Fund for consultancy and other work in relation to the LDF.

5.4. Decision Making Implementation of the LDS is a three-year programme. To ensure compliance, it is important for the Council to consider the most effective support procedures. The current procedure for such policy documents is for the Development Control Committee to submit them to the Executive for authorisation and adoption following wide consultation with all interested parties. Full Council resolution is required for all key stages. This procedure will be maintained for LDF preparation. Further details of all groups to be involved in LDD production have been established through the SCI.

5.5. Risk Management In preparing this LDS the following factors have been identified which may hinder the implementation of the scheme. The key risks arise from the uncertainty associated with the programming of the new framework and under-estimation of the time required to undertake sustainability appraisal work; and slippage which may occur due to the extent of public engagement determined through the SCI.

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Identify Risk Prob- ability

Adverse Impact Avoidance Process

Delay in LDF preparation

High Delay in programme Resources allocated to LDF preparation

Loss of staff Med Delay in programme Where practicable and subject to finances, replacement or temporary staff

Under-estimate staff resources needed

Med Delay in programme Regular review of programme and staff resources and take remedial action (subject to resources)

Skills gap Med/ High

Particularly in relation to LDF and SEA involvement

Training for existing staff; Extend programme

Securing political agreement

High

Non-conformity with London Plan; Delay in programme

Seek full Member involvement in process; Consult GOL/GLA

Delay in appointment of consultants

Low Delay in programme Seek delegated authority

Delay in contract completion

Med Delay in programme Regular contact and contract monitoring

Budget constraints High Failure to appoint staff or consultants

Specific budget allocated for process or use PDG

PINS capacity to resource LDF examination

High Delay in programme Early contact with PINS

Soundness of DPDs Low Non-conformity; Objections at public examination stage; Possible legal challenge

Work closely with GOL and PINS on content and programme; Adequate public consultation

Insufficient up-to-date information

Med Delay to start of issues/options process

Early identification of data gaps; Appointment of consultants (subject to resources)

5.6. Evidence Base

To be effective, the policies and proposals within the LDF must be founded on a thorough understanding of the needs of the Borough and the constraints and opportunities that operate within it. An evidence base consisting of research reports, technical papers and on going monitoring or studies will support the LDDs. Evidence was produced in support of the UDP Inquiry and other documents will be prepared or commissioned by the Council. There will also be relevant research from other organisations, particularly the GLA.

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The following background documents will be utilised or required to inform the LDDs: Key Subject Area Evidence Base Document Built Environment

Housing Needs Survey 2003; Housing Supply Strategy (in response to UDP Inspector’s recommendations, 2005); GLA Housing Capacity Study (2005); Bromley Housing Strategy 2004 – 07; Gypsy and Travellers Assessment Building a Better Bromley: Community Plan 2005; Building a Better Bromley: Performance Plan 2005 – 08; Local Implementation Plan for the Mayor’s Transport Strategy (2006); Conservation Area Character Appraisals

Natural Environment Assessment of sports and recreation facilities (2004); Open Space Audit; Bio-diversity Action Plan (2006 - 09) Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

Economy Borough Retail Capacity Study (2004); Local Centres Land Use Monitoring (2004); District Centres Land use Monitoring (2005); Town Centre Health Checks; Employment Land Demand Study;

Community services Education Development Plan 2002-07; Borough Recycling Plan (1999-2005); Improving Health & Health Care 2005 – 06; Every Child Matters 2005: Community safety Strategy 2002 - 05

Waste Modelling of projected waste arising and facilities required (GLA) Technical Paper produced jointly by five South East London Boroughs addressing the collective waste apportionments

Sub-regional Studies/Census

2001 Census report (2004); The London Plan 2004; South London Sub Regional Development Framework (2005) London Economic Development strategy

5.7. Sustainability Appraisal SEA and Appropriate Assessment

At all stages of its preparation the LDF will be subject to a Sustainability Appraisal (SA). This means that from the very start, and throughout the preparation and production of LDDs, the potential social, economic and environmental implications of policies will be appraised. In addition to the SA in line with PPS12, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will be required in accordance with the European Directive (2001/42/EC). This process is narrower in focus than the SA requirements concentrating on environmental effects only.

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The EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) on Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, requires that the Council undertakes what is called an “appropriate assessment” of the implications of a proposed plan or project on designated European sites. The various Development Plan Documents that the Council is proposing are subject to this directive. The Council will undertake a stage 1 screening to assess the likely significant effects of the DPDs on any relevant European sites.

5.8. Monitoring and Review

The Council will set up a monitoring system and prepare an Annual Monitoring Report. This report will show how the Council is performing against all relevant targets (i.e. in the UDP and others set in any of its local development plan documents) and from other strategies such as the London Plan. The first report was published in December 2005 and thereafter will be published at the end of each calendar year.

The AMR assesses:

how the Council is doing against the milestones set out in the LDS; whether the Council is meeting, or is on track to meet, the targets set

out in the LDDs and, if not, the reasons why; what impact LDD policies are having on other targets set at national,

regional or local level; whether any policies need to be replaced to meet sustainable

development objectives; what action needs to be taken if policies need to be replaced.

As a result of monitoring the Council will consider what changes, if any, need to be made and will bring forward any such changes through the review of the LDS. The AMR provides a summary of all development and land use in the Borough. In addition to a general review of policies contained within the local development documents, the AMR assesses and reports specifically on housing targets and the progress being made towards meeting these. Information and data is collected from a variety of sources, including internal records, the London Development Database and the London Housing Capacity Study and other published documents. The AMR also contributes to the baseline information needed to undertake the sustainability Appraisal and SEA in line with PPS12 and the EU Directive on Environmental Assessment outlined above.

5.9. Information about progress on the Local Development Framework This LDS is the first point of contact for information about the LDF. The Council will review and republish it when the need arises, though the revised timetables are considered to be realistic and sustainable without further reprogramming. The Statement of Community Involvement explains how the

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Council will actively engage with stakeholders and the wider community during the preparation of the LDF. In the meantime, information on progress is provided in the following ways:

on the council website, which it is intended to link to the Planning Portal, from where it can be down loaded

for inspection at the Bromley Civic Centre and main borough libraries to residents’ associations, community groups and other organisations

in hard copy on request by phone, letter or email.


PREPARATION OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENTS Figure 1

Pre-Production

Evidence Gathering

Local Development scheme

Statement of Community Involvement

Pre-submission Community Involvement

Issues/ Options

Consultation on Preferred Options

Submission to Secretary of

State

Sustainability Appraisal

Production Examination

Representations on Submitted Development Plan

Documents

Examination

Conformity/Soundness of Development Plan

Documents

Binding Report

Adoption

Development Plan Document Entry in Local Development Framework

Adoption


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PREPARATION OF SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENTS Figure 2

Pre-Production

Evidence Gathering

Local Development scheme

Statement of Community Involvement

Community Involvement

Parent Development Plan Document

Consultation of draft Supplementary

Planning Document

Sustainability Appraisal

Adoption

Supplementary Planning Document Entry in Local Development Framework


Council considers comments and

revisions

Adoption Production

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25

BROMLEY LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Figure 3

S C I

SUSTA

INABILITY A

PP

RAISA

L

AN N U AL M ON IT O R IN G R E P OR T

D E V E L O P M E N T P L A N D OC U M E N T S ( D P D S)

S P E C IAL ( N O N D E V E L O P M E N T P L AN ) LO C AL D E V E L O PM E N T D O CU M EN T

S ta te m e n t o f C o m m u n it y In v o lv e m e n t

EVID

ENC

E BA

SE

CO

MM

UNIT

Y IN

VO

LVEM

ENT

A M R

A ffo r d a b le H o u s in g

L D S

P la n n in g O b l ig a tio n s

L O C AL D E V E L O PM E N T S C H E M E

3 ye a r m a n a g e m e n t p la n

U n it a ry D ev e lo p m en t P lan ( p o lic ies sav eed f o r 3

years)

P ro p o sals m ap

B ro m ley T o wn C en t re Act io n

Area P l an

S U P P L E M E N T AR Y P L AN N IN G D O CU M EN T S ( S P D S)

In set m ap

C or e s tr a teg y

S i teA l loc a tions

D eve lopm ent S tanda r ds

O r p in g to n to w n c e n tr e M a s te r P la n


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Glossary The Act: the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004

Annual Monitoring Report (AMR): Authorities are required to produce AMRs to assess the implementation of the LDS and the extent to which the policies in the LDDs are being successfully implemented.

Area Action Plan (AAP): LDD setting out the planning framework for areas with a concentration of proposals for change and areas of conservation, AAPs have DPD status

Area designations: Areas identified on the proposals map within which certain core policies will apply.

Core Strategy: sets out the long-term spatial vision for the local planning authority area, strategic objectives, and strategic policies to deliver that vision. The Core Strategy will have the status of a Development Plan Document.

Development Plan: in Bromley this consists of the Spatial Development Strategy for London, the UDP and the DPDs contained within the LDF.

Development Plan Documents (DPD): spatial planning documents that are subject to independent examination. Together with the London Plan these form the development plan for the local authority area. DPDs may form one document covering a range of policy areas or a number of individual documents. Individual DPDs or coherent parts of a single DPD can be reviewed independently from other DPDs. DPDs can include:

• core strategy • site specific allocations of land • area action plans (where required) • development control policies

The LDS must set out the programme for preparing its DPDs

Generic development control policies: a suite of criteria-based policies that are required to ensure that developments meet the spatial vision and objectives set out in the Core Strategy. These may be included in the DPDs or stand-alone documents.

Independent Examination/ Public Inquiry: All DPDs are subject to independent examination by the Planning Inspectorate. This examination must consider the ‘soundness of the plan.’

Inspector’s Report: A report issued by the Inspector or Panel who conducted the Public Inquiry, setting out their conclusions on the matters raised and detailing amendments which they require the local planning authority to make to the deposit version LDD. The Inspector’s report is binding.

Issues and options: Produced during the early production stages of the preparation of DPDs and may be issued for consultation to meet the requirements of Regulation 25.


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Key Diagram: Authorities may wish to use a key diagram to illustrate broad locations of future development. Local Development Documents (LDDs): The collective term in the Act for Development Plan Documents, Supplementary Planning Documents, and the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).

Local Development Order: allows LPAs to introduce local permitted development rights

Local Development Framework (LDF): The name of the portfolio of LDDs. Consisting of:

• Development Plan Documents • Supplementary Planning Documents • Statement of Community Involvement • • Local Development Scheme • Annual Monitoring Report

Together these documents provide the framework for delivering spatial planning strategy for a local authority area

Local Development Scheme (LDS): Sets out the programme for the preparation of LDDs. This must be submitted to the Secretary of State for approval within six months of the commencement of the Act.

Local Strategic Partnership: partnerships of stakeholders which develop ways of involving local people in shaping the future of their neighbourhood in how services are provided. They are often single non-statutory, multi-agency bodies, which bring together locally the public, private community and voluntary sectors.

Local Implementation Plan: 5 year strategy prepared by a LA for the development of local, integrated transport supported by a programme of transport improvements. It is used to bid to Government for funding transport improvements.

Minerals and waste development framework: in unitary authorities the minerals and waste policies should be included in their local development frameworks.

London Plan: The Spatial Development Strategy for London. It has been produced to provide a strategic framework for Boroughs’ LDFs. It has the status of a development plan under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act.

Planning Policy Statement (PPS): National planning policy guidance produced by the Government under the new planning regime. Previously known as Planning Policy Guidance notes (PPGs). They set out the Government’s land use planning policies for England.


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Preferred options document: produced as part of the preparation of a Development Plan Document and is issued for formal public participation as required by Regulation 26.

Proposals Map: illustrates on a base map all the policies and proposals contained in Development Plan Documents, together with any saved policies. To be revised as each DPD is adopted it should always reflect the up-to-date planning strategy for the area. Proposals for changes to the adopted proposals map accompany submitted development plan documents in the form of a submissions proposals map. The Proposals Map should be reproduced from a map base to a registered scale.

Regional Planning Body: One of nine regional bodies in England (including GLA) responsible for preparing Regional Spatial Strategies (Spatial Development Strategy in London)

Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS): Prepared by the Regional Planning Bodies, the RSS will set out the policies in relation to the development and use of land in the region. RSS forms part of the development plan for the LPAs. In London, the London Plan is the equivalent of the RSS. These documents will be statutory under the new planning regime. The LDF is required to conform to the SDS.

The Regulations: Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004, and the Town and Country Planning (Transitional Arrangements) Regulations 2004.

Saved Policies or Plans: Existing adopted development plans are saved for three years from the date of commencement of the Act. Any policies in old style development plans adopted after commencement of the Act will become saved policies for three years from their adoption.

Site Specific Allocations: allocations of sites for specific or mixed use or developments to be contained in DPDs. Policies will identify any specific requirements for individual proposals.

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI): LDD which sets out the methods and standards which the planning authority intend to achieve in relation to involving the community in the preparation, alteration and review of all LDDs and in development control decisions. The SCI is not a DPD but is subject to independent examination.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA): An assessment of the environmental impacts of the policies, plans and programmes. The European ‘SEA Directive’ (2001/42/EC) requires a formal ‘environmental assessment’ of certain plans and programmes, including those in the field of planning and land use.

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) cover a wide range of issues, which the local planning authority wishes to provide policy guidance on to supplement the policies and proposals in the development plan documents.


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They do not form part of the development plan and are not subject to the statutory adoption process.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA): The Planning and Compulsory Act requires all LDDs to be put through a Sustainability Appraisal, examining the impact of the policies and proposals with a view to ensuring that they move towards sustainable development.

Unitary Development Plan (UDP): A borough-wide statutory development plan, setting out the Council’s policies for the development and use of land. This will be replaced by the LDF.

Published By: London Borough of Bromley

Planning Division Directorate of Environment and Leisure Services

Bromley Civic Centre Stockwell Close

Bromley BR1 3UH

Phone – 020 8313 4730

Email – [email protected] Internet – www.bromley.gov.uk

1

Report No. DRR 09/00040

London Borough of Bromley

PART 1 - PUBLIC

Agenda Item No. 5

Decision Maker: Development Control Committee

Date: 21st April 2009

Decision Type: Non-Urgent Non-Executive Non-Key

Title: LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK - TIMETABLE FOR PREPARATION OF CORE STRATEGY

Contact Officer: Peter Martin, Head of Planning Strategy and Heritage Tel: 020 8313 4548 E-mail: [email protected]

Chief Officer: Marc Hume

Ward: All

1. Reason for report

The Council is required to prepare a Core Strategy (CS) as part of the Local Development Framework. This report sets out a brief background to the legislation, explains the reasons for the CS and the processes to be adopted. A timetable, set out in Appendix 1, shows the process through three consultation periods in June/July 2010, Jan/Feb 2011 and a test of soundness consultation in April/May 2012. An Examination in Public is expected late in 2011 and adoption of the CS early in 2012.

________________________________________________________________________________

2. RECOMMENDATION(S)

That Members are asked to recommend to the Executive that:

i. The Core Strategy be taken forward along the lines suggested by the timetable and process set out in this report.

ii. The Local Development Framework Advisory Panel be convened at the earliest opportunity following the Executive with the terms of reference and programme to be determined at their first meeting.

iii. Whilst there is continued support for the public realm improvements for Orpington High Street and for other projects going forward, it is recommended that the proposed Supplementary Planning Document (the Orpington Masterplan) be held in abeyance whilst further options for the town are considered though the Core Strategy.

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Corporate Policy 1. Policy Status: New policy. 2. BBB Priority: N/A. The Core Strategy of the LDF will address all aspects of Building a Better

Bromley ________________________________________________________________________________ Financial 1. Cost of proposal: Estimated cost Some consultancy costs and publication and website costs will

arise during 2009/10 and 2010/11; costs of an Examination In Public will arise in 2011. Not possible to estimate at this stage.

2. Ongoing costs: N/A. 3. Budget head/performance centre: Funded from revenue and from Housing and Planing Delivery

Grant 4. Total current budget for this head: £ 5. Source of funding: ________________________________________________________________________________ Staff 1. Number of staff (current and additional): 6 currently - no additional 2. If from existing staff resources, number of staff hours: approx 150 p.w. ________________________________________________________________________________ Legal 1. Legal Requirement: Statutory requirement. 2. Call-in: Call-in is applicable ________________________________________________________________________________ Customer Impact 1. Estimated number of users/beneficiaries (current and projected): All residents and visitors to the

Borough; also partner/agencies such as service and infrastructure providers ________________________________________________________________________________ Ward Councillor Views 1. Have Ward Councillors been asked for comments? N/A. 2. Summary of Ward Councillors comments:

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3. COMMENTARY

Local Development Framework (LDF) 3.1 Members will recall that following a report at DC and Executive in July 2007 and subsequent

approval by the Secretary of State, this Council adopted the revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) as a basis for preparing the Council’s Local Development Framework (LDF). The LDS illustrated how the preparation of the LDF will be managed over the coming years and is currently being revised.

3.2 There are 2 types of Local Development Documents within the LDF:

• Development Plan Documents (DPDs) which are spatial planning documents prepared by the Borough that will be subject to a statutory adoption process including independent examination, for example the Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan.

• Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) which are non-statutory documents approved by the Council after public consultation, not subject to independent examination for example the SPD on Affordable Housing.

3.3 The existing UDP planning policies were saved for 3 years from adoption in July 2006 by virtue of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. In January this year a submission was made to the Secretary of State to enable the retention of policies beyond the expiry date (July 2009) until such time as the old style regulatory plans are replaced by the new spatial plans of the LDF. Direction by the Secretary of State is expected in July.

Core Strategy (CS)

3.4 The Core Strategy will set out the overarching vision of how the varied places within the Borough should develop. The CS, which should be in general conformity with the Strategic Plan for London (The London Plan), will seek to realise its Vision by setting strategic objectives. These objectives will be informed by an analysis of the characteristics of the area and its constituent parts and the key issues and challenges facing them, and should relate closely to the Sustainable Community Strategy.

3.5 It will include a delivery strategy for achieving the strategic objectives, and creating a strategic framework for decision making. To this end the CS will make clear spatial choices about where development should go in broad terms and will both reflect and steer the plans of infrastructure delivery bodies. It will also set a clear framework for the preparation of any subsequent development plan documents.

Key elements of Core Strategy development 3.6 The process of development of a Core Strategy is different from that of a UDP. The need to

involve the community is even greater than before, with the emphasis on the beginning of the process and on participation rather than on the old-style formal consultation. The strategy must be based on robust evidence and be locally distinctive. It should take into account other national, regional and local strategies and should be the most appropriate strategy when considered against the reasonable alternatives. The process of choosing the most appropriate strategy is informed by testing possible options for their sustainability and potential adverse effects which may not be immediately obvious.

3.7 When the Core Strategy is submitted for examination, an independent inspector will assess its “soundness” – that is, they will determine if it is justified, effective and consistent with national policy. By the time the document is submitted it should, to all intents and purposes, be the strategy that the Local Planning Authority would like to adopt, and changes at this late stage are firmly discouraged.

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London Plan (LP)

3.8 The CS should be in general conformity with the LP. It may explain, but should avoid repeating these higher level policies, rather it should translate regional policy of the LP into the local context with appropriate adjustments for local circumstances (hence ‘general conformity’) based on local evidence.

3.9 The Mayor indicated his intention to bring forward an early revision to the LP, and has set out his initial thoughts in “Planning for a Better London” (July 2008). Work is also underway to review the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and Economic Development Strategy which will feed into the draft LP which will be published for consultation in the Autumn. Additionally, the Mayor has established an Outer London Commission to examine ways of ensuring that outer London can play a full part in the city’s economic success. In the summer the Commission will produce an interim report for the London Plan review, (see Appendix 3 for timescales and linkages). The CS timetable will need to reflect changes evolving through the London Plan review.

The Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) 3.10 ‘Building a Better Bromley 2020 Vision’ was ratified as the Council’s SCS on 16th March. The

CS will be taking many of the objectives outlined in the SCS and will turn them into a framework for development. For example, it will have to address the needs of local residents in terms of housing and infrastructure and make decisions about the future of the Borough’s employment land. Ensuring that environmental impacts of development are kept to a minimum will be paramount, as will protecting the historic fabric of Bromley’s distinctive places. Community safety, health and wellbeing and community cohesion will be fundamental to the strategy, ensuring that all the Borough’s places and people benefit from any development and that opportunities for improvements are recognised.

What Bromley’s CS might contain 3.11 The CS is an opportunity for the Council to set out a vision for the Borough that ensures that

Bromley’s suburban character retains its unique sense of place. It will translate this overall vision into a set of strategic objectives and policies showing how growth is achieved in different areas of the Borough whilst retaining character and protecting heritage of those areas.

3.12 The CS will include a diagram that could show areas of constraint, eg Green Belt, conservation areas and other residential areas, where scope for growth is very limited. It could also show areas of managed change which could include some town centres and other areas with good public transport connections where there may be some benefits in terms of housing and employment growth that might be realised. Whilst showing areas indicatively, the diagram will not be site specific; an existing diagram for the Borough is shown in Appendix 2.

3.13 The process of producing and consulting on the CS entails looking at options of housing and employment growth where differing patterns and scales of development can be considered. It will need to be supported by evidence of what physical and social infrastructure is needed for the level of growth envisaged taking account of its type and distribution. This includes reference to education and open space strategies as well as engagement with external partners and agencies such as Primary Care Trusts, water authorities and TfL.

3.14 The Core Strategy will also include the Council’s policies on countering and adapting to climate change. The list of topics to include will be considered in the first stage of the timetable – that of developing the issues, visions and objectives for different areas of the Borough and subsequently the views of the community and other partners.

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Orpington Town Centre 3.15 The Orpington Masterplan was published last summer for public consultation. The intention

was that it would be adopted by the Council as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) giving guidelines for development rather than controlling or proposing development. Some elements of the Masterplan are being taken forward – in particular the public realm improvements for the High Street which are due to start early next year. Other projects have also made progress; however, very little of the development envisaged in the Masterplan has any prospect of coming forward in the near future due in part to the economic downturn. A briefing paper giving an update on projects in the town centre will be circulated to all Members at a later time.

3.16 The recent study carried out for the Council by GVA Grimley on the prospects for employment growth in the Borough suggests that there may be a potential for Orpington to take advantage of potential growth in business floorspace. Through the CS the Council can investigate alternative options for employment and housing growth in the town. It is recommended therefore that the Masterplan document is held in abeyance until such time as alternative options can be considered and consulted upon as part of the Core Strategy.

Bromley Town Centre 3.17 The Area Action Plan for Bromley was considered by Development Control Committee and the

Executive on 30th March. As an AAP it is part of the LDF ‘package’. It was brought forward ahead of the CS because of urgency and need for regeneration in the town centre. The CS will take into account the policies and proposals in the AAP and will draw these into the strategic options investigated through the CS.

Timetable 3.18 The timetable in appendix 1 allows for three distinct phases of involvement and participation

before entering the formal process of testing for soundness and submission to the Secretary of State. Some work has already been undertaken in the form of a workshop involving service providers both external and internal to the Council and other groups such as disability groups.

3.19 To take forward the first phase of the timetable it is recommended that the Local Development Framework Advisory Panel (LDFAP) be convened as soon as possible in the new Council year. Their task in the first meeting will be to decide the terms of reference and set the programme for the forthcoming year.

3.20 The main purpose of the 1st phase is to consider the implications of the visions and themes in ‘Building a Better Bromley 2020 Vision’ for different parts of the Borough in the light of evidence emerging from studies of housing, employment, leisure and open space. It is suggested that after the first initial meeting of the LDFAP there be three further meetings, to be run as workshops, where ward Members are invited to consider the issues for their areas. This will enable Members to participate in developing the strategic objectives for their localities. It is suggested that the three ward Member meetings or workshops be based on an east/west/south division of the Borough so that there is a local focus for each meeting.

3.21 Running alongside meetings of the LDFAP will be officer meetings and workshops with key external agencies and partners such as the PCT, TfL, Thames Water and other service providers. Clearly, the provision of housing is a key element of the CS and an officer Steering Group will ensure co-ordination from the outset. Services internal to the Council concerned with provision of physical and social infrastructure such as schools, open space and leisure will be involved and coordinated through internal officer groups. The Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) will play a central role in facilitating the right level of involvement and ensuring coordination between future provision of housing and supporting infrastructure.

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Other statutory consultees such as the Environment Agency, English Heritage and English Nature will also be involved at this stage.

3.22 The results from this 1st phase of involvement will enable the preparation of an ‘Issues and Options’ document for wider consultation (the 2nd phase). The document will be agreed by the LDFAP, Development Control Committee and the Executive before being published and circulated for consultation via a website in June 2010. The responses from the Issues and Options consultation will enable the Council to move to the 3rd phase – that of publishing a Preferred Approach. Engagement with external agencies and partners and internal service providers as well as the wider public will continue.

3.23 The results of the consultation on the Preferred Approach will enable the preparation of the CS to be submitted to the Secretary of State. This entails a further consultation process – this time limited to representations on the tests of soundness referred to in para 3.6 above.

3.24 Note that there are other policy and LDF related tasks that must be undertaken that are not shown on the main timetable. These are shown in Appendix 4; they include making the Council’s representations on the replacement London Plan in June of this year, (see also Appendix 3).

Appraisals and assessments 3.25 In order to ensure that the Core Strategy meets legal requirements, and to help tease out the

most appropriate strategy, a number of assessments will be undertaken. These are iterative and inform the development of strategy as it proceeds rather than “scoring” it at the end. A Habitats Regulatory Assessment looks at any potential impact on nature conservation sites, an Equalities Impact Assessment considers how particular vulnerable or marginalised groups of people might be affected, and a Sustainability Appraisal considers the possibility of the widest range of unintended consequences of the plan. These assessments not only contribute to the soundness of the plan but also help to ensure that the implications of its policies on all of the Borough’s communities and places have been taken into account.

Evidence Base . 3.26 The evidence base for the core strategy is listed in Appendix 5. This list is not exhaustive and

only includes details of those studies which we are currently aware. The table will need to be updated at a later date with timescales/timetables for those studies which have yet to be commissioned.

4. POLICY IMPLICATIONS

4.1 The LDF will eventually replace the existing Unitary Development Plan. It will link with and help to deliver other strategies and will provide the high level framework from which to provide the basis for decision making. The Core Strategy must conform with the London Plan and National guidance and all subsequent Development Plan Documents must conform with the Core Strategy.

5 PERSONNEL IMPLICATIONS

5.1 The CS has significant implications for other services within the Council and a corporate approach to its preparation is required. Contributions will be required from personnel outside the Planning Division for the timetable to be achieved.

6 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

6.1 The possible resource implications in the future, which cannot be accurately quantified at this stage are:

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• additional personnel or consultancy to complete some stages of the LDF - in particular to fill gaps in the evidence base (see Appendix 5);

• preparation of publicity material, including the website, as part of the consultation processes;

• staging the Examination in Public expected in 2011 which will entail the temporary appointment of a programme officer.

6.2 It is assumed that costs in the first instance will be within budget. However if this is not possible commitments will not be entered into until funding has been identified and Member approval obtained.

7 LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

7.1 Whilst the Executive is able to approve documents for consultation purposes, full Council meetings will be necessary to approve the document for submission to the Secretary of State and for adoption of the CS.

7.2 The weight to be given to the CS as a material consideration in the determination of planning application increases as it progresses through the process. It carries little weight, however, until the publication of the pre-submission document in 2011. The saved polices will, subject to the Secretary of State’s approval, remain in force until such time as they are replaced by the LDF.

Non-Applicable Sections: ,

Background Documents: (Access via Contact Officer)

PPS12, Local Spatial Planning, DCLG, June 2008 Planning Advisory Service Guidance (www.pas.gov.uk/planmakingmanual)

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APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Timetable

Appendix 2: Borough Diagram

Appendix 3: Other London programmes

Appendix 4: Timetable for LDF showing SPD’s other DPD’s etc

Appendix 5: Evidence base list

Appendix 1 Core Strategy Time Table

Core Strategy Time Table 2009 2010 2011 2012 M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M Preparation and introductions

Develop Options Consulting on issues and options C C Develop preferred approach C C Develop publication core strategy P Work on Submission of core strategy S

Examination and adoption A Key C Consultation P Publication of DPD for representations on soundness S Submission to Secretary of State A Adoption

1 of 6

2 of 6

Appendix 3 - Development of London Plan Strategies Time Table

3 of 6

4 of 6

Appendix 4 Core Strategy Time Table 2009 2010 2011 2012 M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M Development Plan Documents Core Strategy and Appraisal C C C C P S A Development Management Policies and Appraisal Site specific allocations and Appraisal Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan P S A Supplementary Documents Section 106 Supplementary Planning Document C C A London Plan C C C

Key

C Consultation P Publication of DPD for representations on soundness S Submission to Secretary of State A Adoption

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Appendix 5 - Core Strategy Evidence Base

Study Timetable/progress Housing Market Assessment

Currently being carried out by consultants ORS who are also carrying out the sub regional housing market assessment. To be completed Spring 09

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment

LBB are taking part in the London wide study. To be completed July 2009

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

Complete Dec 2008

Employment Land Study

To be completed early 2009

Retail Needs Study

Carried out by DTZ in 2004 – will need to be updated for core strategy evidence base.

PPG17 Open Space Audit

To be completed June 09

Affordable Housing Viability Assessment

Consultants have been appointed. To be completed July 2009.

Habitats Regulatory Assessment

To be undertaken

Assessment of local feasibility and potential for renewable and low carbon technologies

To be undertaken

Analysis of physical / environmental character

To be undertaken

Landscape character assessment

To be undertaken

Analysis of townscape/urban design

To be undertaken

Retail Study This is currently being updated for Bromley Town Centre AAP, but will need

6 of 6

to be updated for whole borough

Town Centre Health Checks

Currently being carried out

Housing Density Survey

To be undertaken

Review of Conservation Areas

To be undertaken

Review of Listed Buildings

To be undertaken

Tourism assessment

To be undertaken

Assessment of transport accessibility and planned transport infrastructure proposals

To be undertaken

Identification of existing and future cultural and community facilities needs

Existing needs identified, future needs to be identified through a social infrastructure needs study

Identification of existing and future health facilities needs

To be identified

Identification of existing and future education programmes and facilities needs

To be identified

Potentially contaminated land assessment

To be undertaken

Identification of AQMA

Already identified and continuously monitored