‘Local development framework’ is the collective name for the various spatial planning-related documents that local planning authorities have prepared. To date the Planning Inspectorate has considered and found sound:
43 Core Strategies
30 Area Action Plans
Seven Site Allocation Policies
Seven Development Control Policies
11 Minerals and Waste Policies
Nine other plans dealing with specific themes
385 Statements of Community Involvement.
Supplementary Planning Documents do not need to be approved by the Planning Inspectorate and there is no central record of the number adopted.
The Government agree timetables for the delivery of plans (Local Development Schemes) with local authorities and hold regular discussions with them about progress. Sector-led support is provided through the Planning Advisory Service to authorities who decide they require assistance in the preparation of their plans and the Government also fund a programme of visits by Planning Inspectors to authorities to help with plan preparation.