Policy Areas

6.1 Planning policies set out the standards and expectations of development proposals. They form the 'starting point' when making decisions on planning applications, and can support achievement of the vision, measurable outcomes and spatial strategy of a Local Plan.

The Role of National Policy 

6.2 Alongside the introduction of a new plan-making process, Government is undertaking wider changes to the planning system. One such change is the introduction of national decision-making policies.  

6.3 These national decision-making policies would provide consistent policy on key planning issues that are relevant across the country, and therefore reduce the need for local policies on these issues within Local Plans.

6.4 Draft national decision-making policies were recently the subject of consultation as part of a draft NPPF.

6.5 Crucially, national decision-making policies would not remove the need for or value of policies in Local Plans. Rather, national decision-making policies would allow for the policies in Local Plans to be more focused on locally specific issues and objectives that can support achievement of the vision, measurable outcomes and spatial strategy of the next Shropshire Local Plan. 

Scope of Local Planning Policy 

6.6 The scope of policies in our next Local Plan will be informed by a range of considerations, including: 

a/ The scope of the national decision-making policies that were recently the subject of consultation by Government.

b/ Evidence informing the next Local Plan - both existing and emerging. 

c/ Technical assessments undertaken to inform the next Local Plan.

d/ Objectives of wider Shropshire Council strategies.

e/ Responses to consultations undertaken to inform the next Local Plan.

6.7 As plan-making progresses, these considerations will provide further clarity on the policy areas of value in the next Shropshire Local Plan.

6.8 Based on an initial consideration, we have identified ‘broad areas’ where policies could support achievement of locally specific issues and objectives and achievement of the vision, measurable outcomes and spatial strategy of the next Shropshire Local Plan. This includes: 

a/ Density, design, climate adaptation/mitigation and health: 

• Prioritisation of brownfield land.
• Appropriate minimum densities of development.
• Locally-specific design and layout expectations.
• Promotion of health and social interaction.
• Water efficiency.
• Accessibility requirements for housing.
• Approach to nationally described space standards for housing. 
• Identify environmental opportunities and safeguards in Shropshire.

b/ Infrastructure, open space and developer contributions:

• Local communications and transport objectives. 
• Local parking standards for residential and non-residential development.
• Contributions expected from development towards infrastructure.
• Standards on the amount and quality of green infrastructure and open space.
• Make provision for appropriate infrastructure development.
• Considerations for infrastructure to avoid operation and potential future expansion constraints. 

c/ Housing mix - size, type and tenure: 

• Appropriate mix of dwelling sizes.
• Proportions and tenures of affordable dwellings required.
• Proportions of specialist housing for older/disabled people required.

d/ Approach to affordable housing:

• Opportunity locations and approaches to deliver affordable housing. 

e/ Managing new and existing employment and waste facilities:

• Our economic vision and strategy.
• Appropriate safeguarding of existing employment.
• General range of uses appropriate on employment land. 

f/ Vitality and viability of town centres: 

• Town centre hierarchy and opportunity areas within them.
• The strategy for our town centres – including appropriate uses.
• Approach to town centre development in other locations.

g/ Renewable energy:

• Identify locations with potential for renewable/low carbon energy.
• Considerations for renewable and low carbon energy development to avoid operation and potential future expansion constraints.

h/ Mineral safeguarding and supply:

• Ensuring a sufficient supply of minerals.
• Safeguarding of mineral resources.

i/ Site specific requirements:

• Specific expectations for each site allocation. 

6.9 Importantly, any policies that have implications for the viability of development will be ‘tested’ through a Viability Assessment, which forms an important part of our next Local Plan's evidence.  

6.10 This Viability Assessment will inform the simultaneous review of the CIL Charging Schedule, ensuring a ‘joined up’ approach. 

6.11 The Council’s aim is to ensure that policy requirements in the next Shropshire Local Plan and CIL contributions required under a new CIL Charging Schedule will maximise the benefits for our communities whilst ensuring the viability of development. 

Question 27

Do you agree with these identified ‘broad policy areas’ that would be addressed in our next Local Plan? Please explain your answers. 

Question 28

Are there are other ‘broad policy areas’ that would benefit from being addressed in our next Local Plan? Please explain your answer. 

Next steps 

6.12 Following the conclusion of this ‘scoping’ consultation we'll finalise the list of ‘broad areas’ that local policies will address.

6.13 These 'broad areas' will inform decisions on the evidence required to inform the next Shropshire Local Plan and the development of policy. 

6.14 In due course, draft policies will be subject to consultation. This may be through the second consultation on content & evidence and/or the third consultation on the proposed Local Plan.