Local Development Scheme (LDS)

The Local Development Scheme (LDS) is a public statement outlining a council’s timetable for preparing development plan documents, including local plans, to be used in the determination of planning applications within a specific area.

Purpose of the scheme

A Local Development Scheme (LDS) is required under Section 15 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended)1. It specifies the following things:

  • The development plan documents which, when prepared, will comprise part of the development plan for the area.
  • The subject matter and geographical area to which each is to relate.
  • The timetable for the preparation or revision of the development plan documents.

West Devon Borough Council currently have an adopted Joint Local Plan (JLP) that was written, adopted and implemented in partnership with South Hams District Council and Plymouth City Council. The three councils will not be preparing a new Joint Local Plan that covers the city sub- region but will instead West Devon will prepare and adopt its own Local Plan, and as such this LDS applies only to West Devon.