Local Development Plans – Departmental Directions – Plan Strategies
Each council must prepare a local development plan (LDP) for their area in consultation with the local community.
A LDP Local Development Plan comprises a Plan Strategy (PS) and a Local Policies Plan (LPP). The process can be viewed at Development plans | nidirect(external link opens in a new window / tab) The Plan Strategy PS stage, which is the first of the two stages, includes the vision, objectives, growth strategy and strategic policies for the council area.
The Plan Strategy PS is tested for ‘soundness’ at the Independent Examination (IE), these tests are based on:
- content
- conformity with central government regional plans, policy and guidance
- process used to produce the plan
Development Plan Practice Note 6 Soundness
Following completion of the IE, the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) issues the Department with the IE Report including any Recommended Amendments (RAs) if required to make the plan document sound. This IE report is non-binding, and following receipt and consideration, the Department then issues a Direction to Council. The Council must then adopt the Plan Strategy PS as directed. Details of the adopted Plan Strategies PSs can be accessed on individual council websites.
Directions and related documents can be found below: