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Town and Country Planning Act 1990

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Point in time view as at 12/01/2000.

Changes to legislation:

Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Chapter I is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 20 April 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

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Chapter IE+W Unitary Development Plans: Metropolitan Areas including London

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Pt. II Ch. I (ss. 10-28): power to apply conferred (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 67(2)(a)(4), 125(2) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)

Pt. II Ch. 1 (ss. 10-28) amended (1.5.1994) by S.I. 1994/1210, art. 6(2)

PreliminaryE+W

10 Application of Chapter I to Greater London and metropolitan counties.E+W

This Chapter applies, subject to section 28, to the area of any local planning authority in Greater London or a metropolitan county (other than any area in such a county which is part of a National Park).

[F110A Application of Chapter I in relation to Wales.E+W

(1)This Chapter also applies to the area of any local planning authority in Wales.

(2)Subsections (3) and (4) apply where the area of a local planning authority in Wales includes—

(a)the whole or any part of an area prescribed under section 23B(2) in relation to a National Park, and

(b)other land.

(3)The provisions of this Chapter apply separately in relation to—

(a)the Park area or, if there is more than one, each Park area, and

(b)the remaining area.

(4)Any reference in any of the following sections of this Chapter to the area of the local planning authority (including any reference which falls to be so construed) shall be construed—

(a)in its application in relation to any Park area, as a reference to that Park area, and

(b)in its application in relation to the remaining area, as a reference to that area.

(5)In this section—

  • the Park area”, in relation to a National Park, means the part of the local planning authority’s area which is within the area prescribed under section 23B(2) in relation to that Park or, where there is more than one such part, those parts taken as a whole;

  • the remaining area” means the part of the local planning authority’s area which is not within the area so prescribed in relation to any National Park.]

Textual Amendments

Surveys etc.E+W

11 Survey of planning areas.E+W

(1)The local planning authority—

(a)shall keep under review the matters which may be expected to affect the development of their area or the planning of its development; and

(b)may, if they think fit, institute a survey or surveys of their area or any part of their area for examining those matters.

(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the matters to be kept under review or examined under that subsection shall include—

(a)the principal physical and economic characteristics of the area of the authority (including the principal purposes for which land is used) and, so far as they may be expected to affect that area, of any neighbouring areas;

(b)the size, composition and distribution of the population of that area (whether resident or otherwise);

(c)without prejudice to paragraph (a), the communications, transport system and traffic of that area and, so far as they may be expected to affect that area, of any neighbouring areas;

(d)any considerations not mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) which may be expected to affect any matters mentioned in them;

(e)such other matters as may be prescribed or as the Secretary of State may in a particular case direct;

(f)any changes already projected in any of the matters mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (e) and the effect which those changes are likely to have on the development of that area or the planning of such development.

(3)A local planning authority shall, for the purpose of discharging their functions under this section of keeping under review and examining any matters relating to the area of another such authority, consult with that other authority about those matters.

Preparation and adoption of unitary development plansE+W

12 Preparation of unitary development plan.E+W

(1)The local planning authority shall, within such period (if any) as the Secretary of State may direct, prepare for their area a plan to be known as a unitary development plan.

(2)A unitary development plan shall comprise two parts.

(3)Part I of a unitary development plan shall consist of a written statement formulating the authority’s general policies in respect of the development and [F2use of land in their area.

(3A)The policies shall, subject to subsection (3B), include policies in respect of—

(a)the conservation of the natural beauty and amenity of the land;

(b)the improvement of the physical environment; and

(c)the management of traffic.

(3B)Regulations under this section may prescribe the aspects of such development and use with which the general policies in Part I of a unitary development plan are to be concerned, in which case the policies shall be concerned with those aspects and no others.]

[F3(3C)In the case of a London borough, Part I of the unitary development plan shall be in general conformity with the spatial development strategy for the time being in force.]

(4)Part II of a unitary development plan shall consist of—

(a)a written statement formulating in such detail as the authority think appropriate (and so as to be readily distinguishable from the other contents of the plan) their proposals for the development and F4. . . use of land in their area F4. . . ;

(b)a map showing those proposals on a geographical basis;

(c)a reasoned justification of the general policies in Part I of the plan and of the proposals in Part II of it; and

(d)such diagrams, illustrations or other descriptive or explanatory matter in respect of the general policies in Part I of the plan or the proposals in Part II of it as the authority think appropriate or as may be prescribed.

(5)A unitary development plan shall also contain such other matters as may be prescribed or as the Secretary of State may in any particular case direct.

[F5(6)In formulating the general policies in Part I of a unitary development plan the authority shall have regard to—

(a)any regional or strategic planning guidance given by the Secretary of State to assist them in the preparation of the plan;

(b)current national policies;

(c)the resources likely to be available; and

(d)such other matters as the Secretary of State may prescribe or, in a particular case, direct.]

(7)The proposals in Part II of a unitary development plan shall be in general conformity with Part I [F6and, in the case of a London borough council, with the spatial development strategy].

[F7(7A)In formulating their proposals in Part II of a unitary development plan, the authority shall have regard to such information and other considerations as the Secretary of State may prescribe or, in a particular case, direct.]

(8)Part II of a unitary development plan may designate any part of the authority’s area as an action area, that is to say, an area which they have selected for the commencement during a prescribed period of comprehensive treatment by development, redevelopment or improvement (or partly by one and partly by another method) and if an area is so designated that Part of the plan shall contain a description of the treatment proposed by the authority.

(9)In preparing a unitary development plan the authority shall take into account the provisions of any scheme under paragraph 3 of Schedule 32 to the M1Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 relating to land in their area which has been designated under that Schedule as an enterprise zone.

[F8(10)Regulations under this section may make different provision for different cases and shall be subject to any direction given, in a particular case, by the Secretary of State.]

[F9(11)Any provision made by regulations under this section in its application by virtue of section 10 may differ from that made under this section in its application by virtue of section 10A.]

Textual Amendments

F2S. 12(3A)(3B) and preceding words substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 para. 2(1) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2 and S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4

F4Words in s. 12(4)(a) repealed (25.11.1991 for certain purposes otherwise 10.2.1992) by virtue of Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 27, 84, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 2(2), Sch. 19 Pt. I (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2 and S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4, Sch. 3

F5S. 12(6) substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I, para. 2(3) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2 and S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4

F6Words in s. 12(7) inserted (12.1.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 344(3) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 1999/3434, art. 2

F7 S. 12(7A) inserted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I, para. 2(4) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2 and S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4

F8S. 12(10) inserted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I, para. 2 (5)(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2 and S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Marginal Citations

[F1012A Urban development corporations.E+W

(1)The Secretary of State may direct that a unitary development plan—

(a)shall not be prepared; or

(b)shall not operate,

in relation to the area of an urban development corporation.

(2)The Secretary of State may direct that proposals for the alteration or replacement of a unitary development plan shall not be prepared in relation to the area of an urban development corporation.]

[F1113 Public participation.E+W

(1)When preparing a unitary development plan for their area and before finally determining its contents the local planning authority shall—

(a)comply with—

(i)any requirements imposed by regulations made under section 26; and

(ii)any particular direction given to them by the Secretary of State with respect to a matter falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) or (e) of subsection (2) of that section; and

(b)consider any representations made in accordance with those regulations.

[F12(1A)Where the local planning authority for a London borough have prepared a unitary development plan, they shall, before complying with subsection (2), make an application in accordance with regulations under section 26 to the Mayor of London for his written opinion whether the unitary development plan is in general conformity with the spatial development strategy.]]

(2)Where the local planning authority have prepared a unitary development plan, before adopting it they shall—

(a)make copies of it available for inspection at such places as may be prescribed by those regulations;

(b)send a copy to the Secretary of State; and

(c)comply with any requirements imposed by those regulations.

(3)Each copy made available for inspection or sent under subsection (2) shall be accompanied by a statement of the prescribed period within which objections may be made to the authority.

(4)In this section “the prescribed period” means such period as may be prescribed by or determined in accordance with regulations made under section 26 and in this Chapter “objections made in accordance with the regulations” means objections made—

(a)in accordance with regulations made under that section; and

(b)within the prescribed period.

(5)The persons who may make objections in accordance with the regulations include, in particular, the Secretary of State.

[F13(5A)If, on an application under subsection (1A), the opinion given by the Mayor of London in accordance with regulations under section 26 is that the unitary development plan is not in general conformity with the spatial development strategy, the giving of the opinion shall be treated as the making by the Mayor of objections in accordance with the regulations.]

(6)A unitary development plan shall not be adopted by the authority under section 15 until—

(a)after they have considered any objections made in accordance with the regulations; or

(b)if no such objections are made, after the expiry of the prescribed period.

Textual Amendments

F11S. 13 substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I, para.4 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4

14 Withdrawal of unitary development plan.E+W

(1)A unitary development plan may be withdrawn by the local planning authority at any time before it is adopted by the authority or approved by the Secretary of State and shall be withdrawn by the authority if the Secretary of State so directs.

(2)Where a unitary development plan is withdrawn the authority shall—

(a)withdraw the copies made available for inspection and sent to the Secretary of State under section [F1413(2)]; and

(b)give notice that the plan has been withdrawn to every person who has made an objection to it.

F15(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)Where a unitary development plan is withdrawn the copies of the plan shall be treated as never having been made available under section [F1413(2)].

Textual Amendments

F14Word in s. 14(2)(4) substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 para.5(a) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art.4

F15S. 14(3) omitted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 5(b); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2 and repealed (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, 84(6) Sch. 4 Pt. I, para. 5(b), Sch. 19 Pt.I (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4, Sch.3

15 Adoption of unitary development plan by local planning authority.E+W

[F16(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section and sections 17 and 18, the local planning authority may by resolution adopt the unitary development plan, either as originally prepared or as modified so as to take account of—

(a)any objections to the plan; or

(b)any other considerations which appear to them to be material.]

(2)A unitary development plan shall not be adopted unless Part II of the plan is in general conformity with Part I.

[F17(2A)A unitary development plan shall not be adopted by a London borough council unless Parts I and II of the plan are in general conformity with the spatial development strategy.]

(3)Where an objection to a unitary development plan [F18for an area in England] has been made by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the local planning authority do not propose to modify the plan to take account of the objection, the authority—

(a)shall send the Secretary of State particulars of the objection and a statement of their reasons for not modifying the plan to take account of it; and

(b)shall not adopt the plan unless the Secretary of State authorises them to do so.

(4)Subject to the following provisions of this Chapter and to section 287, a unitary development plan [F18 for an area in England] shall become operative on the date on which it is adopted.

16 Local inquiries.E+W

[F19(1)Where any objections have been made, in accordance with the regulations, to proposals for a unitary development plan copies of which have been made available for inspection under section 13(2), the local planning authority shall cause a local inquiry or other hearing to be held for the purpose of considering the objections.

(1A)The local planning authority may cause a local inquiry or other hearing to be held for the purpose of considering any other objections to the proposals.

(1B)The local inquiry or other hearing shall be held by a person appointed by the Secretary of State or, in such cases as may be prescribed, by the authority themselves.]

(2)Subsections (2) and (3) of section 250 of the M2Local Government Act 1972 (power to summon and examine witnesses) shall apply to an inquiry held under this section as they apply to an inquiry under that section.

(3)The M3Tribunals and Inquiries Act [F201992]shall apply to a local inquiry or other hearing held under this section as it applies to a statutory inquiry held by the Secretary of State, but as if in [F21section 10(1)] of that Act (statement of reasons for decisions) the reference to any decision taken by the Secretary of State were a reference to a decision taken by a local planning authority.

(4)Regulations made for the purposes of this section may—

(a)make provision with respect to the appointment and qualifications for appointment of persons to hold a local inquiry or other hearing under this section, including provision enabling the Secretary of State to direct a local planning authority to appoint a particular person or one of a specified list or class of persons;

(b)make provision with respect to the remuneration and allowances of a person appointed for that purpose.

(5)No local inquiry or other hearing need be held under this section if all persons who have made objections have indicated in writing that they do not wish to appear.

Textual Amendments

F19S. 16(1)(1A)(B) substituted for s. 16(1) (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I, para. 7 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4

Marginal Citations

Secretary of State’s powers concerning plansE+W

17 Direction to reconsider proposals.E+W

(1)After a copy of a unitary development plan has been sent to the Secretary of State under section [F2213(2)] and before it is adopted by the local planning authority, the Secretary of State may, if it appears to him that the plan is unsatisfactory, direct the authority to [F23modify] the proposals in such respects as are indicated in the direction.

(2)An authority to whom a direction is given shall not adopt the plan unless they satisfy the Secretary of State that they have made the modifications necessary to conform with the direction or the direction is withdrawn.

Textual Amendments

F22Word in s. 17(1) substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I para.9 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art.2; S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4

F23Word in s. 17(1) substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch.4 Pt. I para.8 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art.2, S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4

18 Calling in of unitary development plan for approval by Secretary of State.E+W

(1)After a copy of a unitary development plan has been sent to the Secretary of State under section [F2413(2)] and before it is adopted by the local planning authority, the Secretary of State may direct that the whole or part of the plan shall be submitted to him for his approval.

(2)If such a direction is given—

(a)the authority shall not take any further steps for the adoption of the plan until the Secretary of State has given his decision on the plan or the relevant part of it; and

(b)the plan or the relevant part of it shall not have effect unless approved by him and shall not require adoption under the previous provisions of this Chapter.

(3)Where particulars of an objection to a unitary development plan [F25for an area in England] have been sent to the Secretary of State under section 15(3), then, unless he is satisfied that the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food no longer objects to the plan, the Secretary of State must give a direction in respect of it under subsection (1).

(4)Subsection (2)(a) applies in particular to holding or proceeding with a local inquiry or other hearing in respect of the plan under section 16; and at any such inquiry or hearing which is subsequently held or resumed a local planning authority need not give any person an opportunity of being heard in respect of any objection which has been heard at an examination, local inquiry or other hearing under section 20 or which the Secretary of State states that he has considered in making his decision.

Textual Amendments

F24Word in s. 18(1) substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 9 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4

19 Approval of unitary development plan by Secretary of State.E+W

(1)Subject to section 20, the Secretary of State may after considering a plan or part of a plan submitted to him under section 18(1) either approve it (in whole or in part and with or without modifications or reservations) or reject it.

(2)In considering a plan or part of a plan submitted to him under that section the Secretary of State may take into account any matters which he thinks relevant, whether or not they were taken into account in [F26preparing] the plan or that part of it.

(3)The Secretary of State shall give a local planning authority such statement as he considers appropriate of the reasons governing his decision on any plan or part of a plan submitted to him.

(4)Where the whole or part of Part I of a unitary development plan is approved by the Secretary of State with modifications, the local planning authority shall, before adopting the remainder of the plan, make such modifications in Part II as may be directed by the Secretary of State for bringing it into general conformity with Part I and, in the absence of any such direction, shall make such modifications for that purpose in Part II as appear to the authority to be required.

(5)Subject to section 287, a plan or part of a plan which is approved by the Secretary of State under this section shall become operative on such day as he may appoint.

Textual Amendments

F26Word in s. 19(2) inserted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27 , Sch. 4 Pt. I para.10 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art.2; S.I. 1991/2905, art.4

20 Local inquiry, public examination and consultation by Secretary of State.E+W

(1)Before deciding whether or not to approve a plan or part of a plan submitted to him under section 18(1), the Secretary of State shall consider any objection to it so far as made in accordance with [F27the regulations.].

(2)Where the whole or part of Part II of a unitary development plan is submitted to the Secretary of State under section 18(1) (whether or not the whole or part of Part I is also submitted), then, if any objections have been made to the plan or the relevant part of it as mentioned in subsection (1), before deciding whether to approve it he shall cause a local inquiry or other hearing to be held for the purpose of considering those objections.

(3)The Secretary of State need not under subsection (1) consider any objections which have already been considered by the local planning authority and need not cause a local inquiry or other hearing to be held under subsection (2) if that authority have already held a local inquiry or other hearing into the objections under section 16 or the Secretary of State, on taking the plan or the relevant part of it into consideration, decides to reject it.

(4)Where the whole or part of Part I of a unitary development plan (but not the whole or any part of Part II) is submitted to the Secretary of State under section 18(1) he may cause a person or persons appointed by him for the purpose to hold an examination in public of such matters affecting the Secretary of State’s consideration of the part of the plan submitted to him as he considers ought to be so examined.

(5)The Secretary of State may, after consultation with the Lord Chancellor, make regulations with respect to the procedure to be followed at any examination under subsection (4).

(6)The Secretary of State shall not be required to secure to any local planning authority or other person a right to be heard at an examination under subsection (4), and the bodies and persons who may take part shall be such only as he may, whether before or during the course of the examination, in his discretion invite to do so; but the person or persons holding the examination shall have power, exercisable either before or during the course of the examination, to invite additional bodies or persons to take part if it appears to him or them desirable to do so.

(7)An examination under subsection (4) shall constitute a statutory inquiry for the purposes of section 1(1)(c) of the M4Tribunals and Inquiries Act [F281992] but shall not constitute such an inquiry for any other purpose of that Act.

(8)On considering a plan or part of a plan submitted to him under section 18(1) the Secretary of State may consult with or consider the views of any local planning authority or other person but he need not do so except as provided by this section.

Textual Amendments

F27Words in s. 20(1) substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I, para. 11 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4S. 20 restricted (23.6.1992) by S.I. 1992/1491, art. 3

Marginal Citations

Alteration of plansE+W

21 Alteration or replacement of unitary development plan.E+W

[F29(1)A local planning authority may at any time prepare proposals—

(a)for alterations to the unitary development plan for their area; or

(b)for its replacement.

(1A)If the Secretary of State directs them to do so, the authority shall prepare, within such time as he may direct, proposals for—

(a)such alterations to the unitary development plan as he directs; or

(b)its replacement.

(1B)An authority shall not, without the consent of the Secretary of State, prepare proposals in respect of a unitary development plan if the plan or any part of it has been approved by the Secretary of State.]

(2)F30. . .Sections 12 to 20 (other than subsection (1) of section 12) shall apply in relation to the making of proposals under this section and to any alteration or replacement so proposed as they apply to the preparation of a unitary development plan under section 12 and to a plan prepared under that section.

(3)As soon as practicable after—

(a)an order has been made under paragraph 5 of Schedule 32 to the M5Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (designation of enterprise zone); or

(b)a notification has been given under paragraph 11(1) of that Schedule (approval of modification of enterprise zone scheme),

the local planning authority for an area in which the zone is wholly or partly situated shall review any unitary development plan for that area in the light of the provisions of the scheme or modified scheme under that Schedule and prepare proposals under this section for any consequential alterations to the plan which they consider necessary.

Textual Amendments

F29S. 21(1)-(1B) substituted for s. 21(1) (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 12(1)(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art.4

F30Words in s. 21(2) omitted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 12(2)(with s. 84(1)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2 and repealed (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 27, 84, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 12(2), Sch. 19 Pt.I (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4, Sch.3

Marginal Citations

F3122. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W

Textual Amendments

[F32 Greater London: conformity with spatial development strategy]E+W

Textual Amendments

F32S. 21A and cross-heading inserted (12.1.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 344(7) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 1999/3434, art. 2

[F3321A “Greater London: conformity with spatial development strategy.E+W

(1)Where—

(a)a local planning authority in Greater London propose to make, alter or replace a unitary development plan;

(b)copies of proposed alterations of, or of a proposed new spatial development strategy to replace, the spatial development strategy have been made available for inspection under section 335(2) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999; and

(c)the local planning authority include in any relevant copy of the plan or proposals a statement that they are making the permitted assumption,

the permitted assumption shall, subject to subsection (4), be made for all purposes (including in particular any question as to conformity between the plan and the spatial development strategy).

(2)In this section “the permitted assumption” means the assumption that—

(a)the proposed alterations or new spatial development strategy mentioned in subsection (1)(b); or

(b)if any proposed modifications to those proposed alterations or that new spatial development strategy have been published in accordance with regulations made under section 343 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999, the proposed alterations or spatial development strategy as so modified,

have become operative under section 337(9) of that Act.

(3)For the purposes of subsection (1)(c) a copy is a relevant copy of a plan or proposals if it is served on the Greater London Authority.

(4)The permitted assumption shall not be made at any time after the local planning authority know that the proposed alterations or new spatial development strategy mentioned in subsection (1)(b) have been withdrawn. ”]

Textual Amendments

Joint plansE+W

23 Joint unitary development plans.E+W

(1)A joint unitary development plan or joint proposals for the alteration or replacement of such a plan may be prepared by two or more local planning authorities in Greater London or by two or more local planning authorities in a metropolitan county; and the previous provisions of this Chapter shall, in relation to any such joint plan or proposals, have effect subject to the following provisions of this section.

F34(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F34(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F34(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)Each of the local planning authorities by whom a joint unitary development plan is prepared shall have the duty imposed by subsection [F35(2)] of section 13 of making copies of the plan available for inspection.

(6)Objections to such a plan may be made to any of those authorities and the statement required by subsection [F36(3)] of section 13 to accompany copies of the plan shall state that objections may be so made.

(7)It shall be for each of the local planning authorities by whom a joint unitary development plan is prepared to adopt the plan under section 15(1) and they may do so as respects any part of their area to which the plan relates, but any modifications subject to which the plan is adopted must have the agreement of all those authorities.

(8)Where a unitary development plan has been prepared jointly, the power of [F37preparing] proposals in respect of the plan under section 21 may be exercised as respects their respective areas by any of the authorities by whom it was prepared and the Secretary of State may under that section direct any of them to [F37prepare] proposals as respects their respective areas.

F34(9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F34(10). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(11)The date of the coming into operation of a unitary development plan prepared jointly by two or more local planning authorities or for the alteration or replacement of such a plan in pursuance of proposals so prepared shall be a date jointly agreed by those authorities.

Textual Amendments

F35Word in s. 23(5) substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch.4 Pt. I, para. 14(b) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art.4

F36Word in s. 23(6) substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I, para. 14(c) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art.4

F37Words in s. 23(8) substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 14(d) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art.4

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5S. 23 restricted (in respect of the presence of a hazardous substance without hazardous substances consent during the period of 28 days beginning with 1.6.1992) by S.I. 1992/725, art. 4

[F3823A Joint unitary development plans: Wales.E+W

(1)A joint unitary development plan or joint proposals for the alteration or replacement of such a plan may be prepared by two or more local planning authorities in Wales for their areas if—

(a)each of those areas adjoins each of the others; or

(b)the Secretary of State has given his approval.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a joint plan for any area which consists of or includes a National Park.

(3)The previous provisions of this Chapter shall, in relation to any joint plan or proposals of a kind mentioned in subsection (1), have effect subject to the following provisions of this section.

(4)Each of the local planning authorities by whom a joint unitary development plan is prepared shall have the duty imposed under section 13(2) of making copies of the plan available for inspection.

(5)Objections to such a plan may be made to any of those authorities and the statement required by section 13(3) to accompany copies of the plan shall state that objections may be so made.

(6)It shall be for each of the local planning authorities by whom a joint unitary development plan is prepared to adopt the plan under section 15(1) and, subject to the provisions of this Chapter, they may do so as respects the part of their area to which the plan relates, but any modifications subject to which the plan is adopted must have the agreement of all those authorities.

(7)Where a unitary development plan has been prepared jointly, the power of preparing proposals in respect of the plan under section 21 may be exercised as respects their respective areas by any of the authorities by whom it was prepared and the Secretary of State may under that section direct any of them to prepare proposals as respects their respective areas.

(8)The date of the coming into operation of a unitary development plan prepared jointly by two or more local planning authorities or for the alteration or replacement of such a plan in pursuance of proposals so prepared shall be a date jointly agreed by those authorities.]

F3923B Unitary development plans for National Parks in Wales.E+W

(1)A unitary development plan shall be prepared for each National Park in Wales.

(2)A Welsh National Park development plan shall relate to an area prescribed in relation to the National Park in question by order made by the Secretary of State.

(3)The prescribed area in relation to a National Park which falls wholly within, but does not comprise the whole of, the area of a single local planning authority shall be—

(a)where the local planning authority have so elected, the whole of the area of the local planning authority; and

(b)in any other case—

(i)the whole of the area of the National Park; or

(ii)a composite area.

(4)The prescribed area in relation to any other Welsh National Park shall be—

(a)the whole of the area of the National Park; or

(b)a composite area.

(5)For the purposes of this section and section 23C, “composite area”, in relation to a National Park, means an area which consists of the whole of the Park together with any one or more other areas in Wales.

(6)The Secretary of State shall not under subsection (2) prescribe an area which is a composite area except with the consent of every local planning authority in whose area the prescribed area or any part of it would fall.

(7)Any order made by the Secretary of State under subsection (2) may make such saving or transitional provision as he considers appropriate.

(8)Where, by an order under subsection (2), the Secretary of State prescribes a composite area which comprises or includes part only of the area of a local planning authority, the provisions of this Chapter shall apply in relation to—

(a)the Welsh National Park development plan in question, or

(b)any proposals for its alteration or replacement,

subject to such modifications, if any, as may be prescribed by the order.

(9)Subsections (3) and (4) of section 10A do not apply for the purposes of—

(a)subsection (3) or (8) of this section, or

(b)section 23C(1), (2) or (4).

(10)For the purposes of this Act, “Welsh National Park development plan” means a unitary development plan prepared for a National Park in Wales.

F4023C Joint unitary development plans for National Parks in Wales.E+W

(1)A Welsh National Park development plan for a National Park which neither coincides with nor falls wholly within the area of a single local planning authority shall be a joint unitary development plan.

(2)A Welsh National Park development plan for any other National Park shall be a joint unitary development plan if it relates to a composite area unless the composite area coincides with or falls wholly within the area of a single local planning authority.

(3)Any Welsh National Park development plan which is required to be a joint plan shall be prepared by the authorities who will be the appropriate authorities in relation to the plan.

(4)For the purposes of this section, an authority are an appropriate authority in relation to a joint plan if—

(a)they are a local planning authority; and

(b)their area or any part of their area falls within the area to which the plan relates.

(5)Any proposals prepared under section 21 for the alteration or replacement of a joint plan of a kind mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) shall be joint proposals prepared by the appropriate authorities in relation to that plan, and any direction given by the Secretary of State under that section in relation to that plan shall be given jointly to those authorities.

(6)Subsections (3) to (6) and (8) of section 23A apply in relation to any joint plan or proposals of a kind mentioned in subsection (1), (2) or (5) as they apply in relation to any joint plan or proposals of a kind mentioned in section 23A(1).

SupplementaryE+W

24 Disregard of certain representations.E+W

Notwithstanding anything in the previous provisions of this Chapter, neither the Secretary of State nor a local planning authority shall be required to consider representations or objections with respect to a unitary development plan or any proposals for the alteration or replacement of such a plan if it appears to the Secretary of State or, as the case may be, the authority that those representations or objections are in substance representations or objections with respect to things done or proposed to be done in pursuance of—

(a)an order or scheme under section 10, 14, 16, 18, 106(1) or (3) or 108(1) of the M6Highways Act 1980;

(b)an order or scheme under any provision replaced by the provisions mentioned in paragraph (a), namely, an order or scheme under section 7, 9, 11, 13 or 20 of the M7Highways Act 1959, section 3 of the M8Highways (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1961 or section 1 or 10 of the M9Highways Act 1971; or

(c)an order under section 1 of the M10New Towns Act 1981.

25 Default powers.E+W

(1)Where, by virtue of any of the previous provisions of this Chapter, any unitary development plan or proposals for the alteration or replacement of such a plan are required to be prepared, or steps are required to be taken for the adoption of any such plan or proposals, then—

(a)if at any time the Secretary of State is satisfied, after holding a local inquiry or other hearing, that the local planning authority are not taking the steps necessary to enable them to prepare or adopt such a plan or proposals within a reasonable period; or

(b)in a case where a period is specified for the preparation or adoption of any such plan or proposals, if no such plan or proposals have been prepared or adopted by the local planning authority within that period,

the Secretary of State may prepare and make the plan or any part of it or, as the case may be, alter or replace it, as he thinks fit.

(2)The previous provisions of this Chapter shall, so far as practicable, apply with any necessary modifications in relation to the doing of anything under this section by the Secretary of State and the thing so done.

(3)The authority mentioned in subsection (1) shall on demand repay to the Secretary of State so much of any expenses incurred by him in connection with the doing of anything which should have been done by them as he certifies to have been incurred in the performance of their functions.

26 Regulations and directions.E+W

(1)Without prejudice to the previous provisions of this Chapter, the Secretary of State may make regulations with respect to the form and content of unitary development plans and the procedure to be followed in connection with their preparation, withdrawal, adoption, submission, approval, making, alteration or replacement.

(2)Such regulations may in particular—

(a)provide for publicity to be given to the results of any review or survey carried out under section 11;

(b)provide for the notice to be given of or the publicity to be given to—

(i)matters included or proposed to be included in any unitary development plan,

(ii)the approval, adoption or making of any such plan or any alteration or replacement of it, or

(iii)any other prescribed procedural step,

and for publicity to be given to the procedure to be followed as mentioned in subsection (1);

[F41(bb)make provision with respect to the making of an application to the Mayor of London for a written opinion under section 13(1A) and the giving by him of such an opinion (including provision as to the time within which such an application or opinion must be made or given);]

(c)make provision with respect to the making and consideration of representations with respect to matters to be included in, or objections to, any such plan or proposals for its alteration or replacement;

[F42(cc)make provision with respect to the circumstances in which representations with respect to the matters to be included in a plan or proposals are to be treated, for any of the purposes of this Chapter, as being objections made in accordance with the regulations;]

(d)without prejudice to paragraph (b), provide for notice to be given to particular persons of the approval, adoption, alteration or replacement of any plan if they have objected to the plan and have notified the local planning authority of their wish to receive notice, subject (if the regulations so provide) to the payment of a reasonable charge;

(e)require or authorise a local planning authority to consult with, or consider the views of, other persons before taking any prescribed procedural step;

(f)require a local planning authority, in such cases as may be prescribed or in such particular cases as the Secretary of State may direct, to provide persons making a request in that behalf with copies of any plan or document which has been made public [F43in compliance with the regulations or available for inspection under section 13(2)], subject (if the regulations so provide) to the payment of a reasonable charge;

[F44(ff)make provision for steps taken in compliance with the regulations in respect of a unitary development plan which has been withdrawn to be taken into account in prescribed circumstances for the purposes of complying with the regulations in respect of a subsequent unitary development plan;]

(g)provide for the publication and inspection of any unitary development plan which has been adopted, approved or made or any document approved, adopted or made altering or replacing any such plan, and for copies of any such plan or document to be made available on sale.

(3)Regulations under this section may make different provision for different cases.

[F45(3A)Any provision made by regulations under this section in its application by virtue of section 10 may differ from that made under this section in its application by virtue of section 10A.]

(4)Subject to the previous provisions of this Chapter and to any regulations under this section, the Secretary of State may give directions to any local planning authority or to local planning authorities generally—

(a)for formulating the procedure for the carrying out of their functions under this Chapter;

(b)for requiring them to give him such information as he may require for carrying out any of his functions under this Chapter.

Textual Amendments

F43Words in s. 26(f) substituted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 15(b) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2; S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4

F44S. 26(ff) inserted (25.11.1991 for certain purposes and otherwise 10.2.1992) by Planning and compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 27, Sch. 4 para. 15(c) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2728, art. 2 and S.I. 1991/2905, art. 4

27 Meaning of “development plan” in Greater London and metropolitan counties.E+W

For the purposes of this Act and any other enactment relating to town and country planning, the M11Land Compensation Act 1961 and the M12Highways Act 1980, the development plan for any district in Greater London or a metropolitan county (whether the whole or part of the area of a local planning authority) shall be taken as consisting of—

(a)the provisions of the unitary development plan for the time being in force for that area or the relevant part of it, together with a copy of the local planning authority’s resolution of adoption or the Secretary of State’s notice of approval or, where part of the plan has been adopted and the remainder approved, copies of the resolution and the notice; and

(b)any alteration to that plan, together with a copy of the authority’s resolution of adoption, or the Secretary of State’s notice of approval, of the alteration or, where part of the alteration has been adopted and the remainder approved, copies of the resolution and the notice.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6S. 27 modified (1.5.1994) by S.I. 1994/1210, art. 7(1)

S. 27 applied (with modifications) (1.4.1998) by S.I. 1996/1863, art. 4(3)(a)

S. 27 applied (with modifications) (1.4.1998) by S.I. 1996/1867, art. 13(3)(a)

S. 27 applied (with modifications) (1.4.1998) by S.I. 1996/1875, art. 5(5)(a)

C7S. 27: functions of local authority not to be sole responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.)(16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 4(1), Sch. 3

Marginal Citations

[F4627A Meaning of “development plan” in relation to Wales.E+W

For the purposes of the enactments mentioned in section 27, the development plan for any area in Wales shall be taken as consisting of—

(a)the provisions of the unitary development plan for the time being in force for that area, together with a copy of the relevant local planning authority’s resolution of adoption or of the Secretary of State’s notice of approval or, where part of the plan has been adopted and the remainder approved, copies of the resolution and the notice; and

(b)any alteration to that plan, together with a copy of the relevant local planning authority’s resolution of adoption, or the Secretary of State’s notice of approval, of the alteration or, where part of the alteration has been adopted and the remainder approved, copies of the resolution and the notice.]

28 Commencement of Chapter I: transitional provisions.E+W

(1)Subject to subsection (2), the provisions of this Chapter shall come into force in the area of any local planning authority in Greater London or a metropolitan county (other than any area in that county which is part of a National Park) on such day as may be appointed in relation to that area by an order made by the Secretary of State.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply in any area in relation to which an order has been made before the commencement of this Act under section 4(1) of the M13Local Government Act 1985 (commencement of Part I of Schedule 1 to that Act) and in any such area the provisions of this Chapter shall come into force at the commencement of this Act or, if later, on the day appointed by the order.

(3)Until a unitary development plan becomes operative under this Chapter for such an area as is mentioned in subsection (1) (or where parts of such a plan become operative on different dates until every part has become operative)—

(a)if it is the area of a local planning authority in a metropolitan county, Part I of Schedule 2 (which provides for existing plans to continue in force and applies some of the provisions of Chapter II) shall apply in relation to it;

(b)if it is the area of a local planning authority in Greater London, Part II of that Schedule (which makes similar provision) shall apply in relation to it; and

(c)Part III of that Schedule shall apply in relation to it for the purpose of making continuing provision for the transitional matters for which provision was made immediately before the commencement of this Act by Schedule 7 to the 1971 Act (old development plans etc.).

(4)The power to make orders under this section may be exercised so as to make different provision for different cases, including different provision for different areas.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8S. 28 excluded (1.5.1994) by S.I. 1994/1210, art. 7(2)

S. 28 excluded (1.4.1998) by S.I. 1996/1863, art. 4(3)(b)

S. 28 excluded (1.4.1998) by S.I. 1996/1867, art. 13(3)(b)

S. 28 excluded (1.4.1998) by S.I. 1996/1875, art. 5(5)(b)

Marginal Citations

[F4728A Application of Chapter I in relation to Wales: transitional provisions.E+W

(1)Until a unitary development plan becomes fully operative for the area of any local planning authority in Wales—

(a)Part IA of Schedule 2, and

(b)Part III of Schedule 5 to the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 (transitional provisions in relation to structure and local plans),

shall apply in relation to that area.

(2)For the purposes of this Chapter, a unitary development plan for the area of a local planning authority in Wales has become fully operative when—

(a)it has become operative under this Chapter; or

(b)where different parts have become operative at different times, when all parts of it have become so operative.]

Textual Amendments

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