LDF Evidence

Basing decisions on reliable and up-to-date information is a key part of the planning system. Planning Policy Statement 12 (Creating Strong, Safe and Prosperous Communities through Local Spatial Planning) (external link, opens in new window) states that in order to be found 'sound' a Development Plan Document should be founded on a robust and credible evidence base.

Under this section of the web site you can find the most up to date evidence which is currently being gathered to inform the preparation of the Local Development Framework and more specifically, the Development Management and Delivery DPD.

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) is a key component of the evidence base to support the delivery of land for housing. The requirement for SHLAA is set out in Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing (external link, opens in new window). The primary role of the assessment is to identify sites with potential for housing, assess their housing potential and assess when they are likely to be developed. SHLAA should be updated as an integral part of the AMR process.

Gypsy and Traveller Housing Needs

The report of the Devon Gypsy and Traveller Housing Needs Assessment carried out in 2006 by the University of Plymouth on behalf of the Devon local authorities was published in January 2007. It was prepared in response to the Housing Act 2004 which requires local authorities to assess the accommodation needs of the gypsies and travellers as well as those of settled people.

Strategic Housing Viability Assessment (SHVA)

In the light of that requirement and the need for a robust and effective housing delivery framework in the forthcoming DPD, we have commissioned work to look in greater depth at the policy contexts, management options and financial considerations that apply to housing delivery, particularly affordable housing, in the National Park. This study is currently being carried out and a report will be published early in 2011.

Dartmoor National Park Landscape Character Assessment

The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for Dartmoor National Park forms part of a wider programme of LCA work being undertaken on a Devon-wide scale. It is designed to help guide strategic planning and development management decisions and provide guidelines for the conservation and enhancement of Devon’s special landscape qualities.

Appropriate Assessment

Appropriate Assessment/Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) of land use plans is required under the European ‘Habitats Directive’. HRA provides for the protection of ‘European Sites’, these are sites which are of exceptional importance in respect of rare, endangered or vulnerable natural habitats and species within the European Community. Such sites include Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), which comprise 25,452ha (totalling 27%) of the Dartmoor National Park.

Sustainability Appraisal

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) is a process which examines the social, environmental and economic effects of the strategies and policies in a local development document to ensure that the decisions that are made accord with sustainable development. SA incorporates the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive, which ensures that environmental effects of strategies and policies are also carefully assessed.

Settlement Profiles

A set of information on each of the 8 Local Centres in the National Park have been prepared by the National Park Authority. This information at a local level is intended to:
-serve as an evidence base for the LDF-enable communities to gain a better understanding of some of the issues in their area
-set out some of the issues raised by the communities
-provide a stimulus for discussion around settlement specific issues

Strategic Housing Market Needs Assessment

Dartmoor National Park Authority along with other local authorities has commissioned a new study of housing need covering the sub-region. The partner authorities are: South Hams District Council, West Devon Borough Council, Plymouth City Council, and Cornwall Council.

GVA Consultants has been asked to undertake this assessment. All local authorities are required to prepare evidence that objectively assesses the future housing needs of different groups in the community. The last time this was done for the Plymouth sub-region was in 2006.

This latest Strategic Housing Market Needs Assessment will help the partner authorities make informed decisions about housing strategy, resources, and policy in the future.

Please note that this study covers only those parts of Dartmoor National Park falling within South Hams District and West Devon Borough. Find out more about the study from the South Hams District Council website. (external website, opens new window) To have your say on future housing need, email: shmna@gva.co

Other LDF evidence

A range of other reports and information which helps to inform the preparation, and monitor the implementation of the different parts of the Local Development Framework.