Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
19 Local development frameworks,
community strategies and
area agreements
19.1 Introduction
National policies and regional strategies provide the framework for local planning
in the hierarchical translation of overall aims into particular outcomes described in
Chapter 17. However transport proposals do not merely have to be aligned 'vertically'
with this strategic policy context, but also 'laterally' with other actions being taken
locally.
This need for local integration can be visualised most obviously in physical terms.
Transport infrastructure is not only a major component of the physical fabric of
settlements; the operation of transport systems is critical to the functioning of activities
within them. This applies at the level of access to individual sites and premises as well
as in the connectivity (opportunities) it offers for economic and social interaction and
the fulfilment of individual needs within neighbourhoods, towns and city regions.
Establishing the appropriate manner in which transport systems should be developed
and managed at this local level requires them to be planned within their particular
spatial contexts. Transport is therefore a major component of the 'spatial planning'
activity pursued by local planning authorities. Much of this chapter is devoted to
explaining the nature of this activity and the particular plans and procedures through
which it is currently executed.
In Part 2 we charted the way in which arrangements for development (now spatial)
planning evolved largely independently of transport planning. Readers who already
have some familiarity with local transport planning should note that these processes
are not merely different in subject matter but also - largely for historical reasons -
different in nature and purpose. As a preface to the detailed discussion which follows
we therefore begin by highlighting some of the distinctive features of the development
planning system (19.2).
We then consider the role currently set for local development plans in England
(19.3) and the nature of Local Development Frameworks (19.4) and Development
Plan Documents (19.5). Significant differences in local development planning as
operated in Wales and Scotland are noted in section 19.6. Increasingly the Government
is viewing these plans (and local transport plans too) as instruments for delivering
outcomes identified in Sustainable Community Strategies. We therefore explain the
nature of these strategies in section 19.7 and the role of Local Area Agreements in the
new performance framework being set for local government in section 19.8.
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