An introduction to the LDF

The Council is producing a Local Development Framework for Newham that will eventually replace the Borough's Unitary Development Plan (UDP). This page details the existing planning policy framework for Newham and the emerging LDF.

Planning policy

The planning system in England follows a 'plan-led' approach. This involves the preparation of development plans that determine how we use land, what we can build and where we can build it. The existing planning framework for Newham consists of the following documents:

• Unitary Development Plan (UDP)
• Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG)
• London Plan (consolidated with alterations since 2004)

The Local Development Framework (LDF)

In 2004, changes to the plan-making process were introduced that replace the UDP with a Local Development Framework (LDF). The LDF will aim to meet the local community's future economic, environmental and social needs through the spatial planning system through a suite of planning policy documents called Local Development Documents (LDDs). These will set out the Borough's spatial planning strategy and provide detailed policy and guidance as to how the Borough should develop until 2027.

• Local Development Framework news
• Current LDF Consultation
• LDF evidence base

Newham's LDF will include:

Development Plan Documents (DPDs)

DPDs outline the key development objectives of the LDF. They are subject to rigorous procedures of community involvement, consultation and independent examination. Once adopted, development management decisions must be made in accordance with the DPDs unless material considerations demonstrate otherwise. DPDs are also subject to Sustainability Appraisal (SA). The LDF will initially consist of the following DPDs:

• Core Strategy
• Detailed Sites and Policies DPD
• Development Control Policy Manual
• Joint Waste DPD for the East London Waste Authority Boroughs

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)

SPDs expand or add details to policies laid out in in the Unitary Development Plan (and eventually, Development Plan Documents). These can take the form of design guides, area development briefs, master plans or issue-based documents.

• Canning Town and Custom House SPD
• Forest Gate SPD
• Stratford Metropolitan Masterplan

Supporting documents

Emerging LDF documents are supported by an evidence base and a number of impact assessments (including Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Asessment).

• LDF evidence base
• LDF impact assessments

Other Local Development Documents (LDDs)

• Annual Monitoring Report (AMR)
• Local Development Scheme (LDS)
• Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)

Earlier stages of the LDF

The Stratford and Lower Lea Valley Area Action Plan and the Royal Docks and Thameside West Area Action Plan, although previously consulted on, will no longer be progressed as these areas have been addressed in the emerging Core Strategy and are likely to be further considered in subsequent DPDs. These documents were progressed prior to the development of the Core Strategy and relevant documents for these AAPs can be found on the Royal Docks and Thameside West AAP and Stratford and Lower Lea Valley AAP pages for information. For a list of the current programme of development plan work please see the latest version of Local Development Scheme on the link to the right.