Part 2Local development
Documents
F128APower to direct preparation of joint development plan documents
(1)
The Secretary of State may direct two or more local planning authorities to prepare a joint development plan document.
(2)
The Secretary of State may give a direction under this section in relation to a document whether or not it is specified in the local development schemes of the local planning authorities in question as a document which is to be prepared jointly with one or more other local planning authorities.
(3)
The Secretary of State may give a direction under this section only if the Secretary of State considers that to do so will facilitate the more effective planning of the development and use of land in the area of one or more of the local planning authorities in question.
(4)
A direction under this section may specify—
(a)
the area to be covered by the joint development plan document to which the direction relates;
(b)
the matters to be covered by that document;
(c)
the timetable for preparation of that document.
(5)
The Secretary of State must, when giving a direction under this section, notify the local planning authorities to which it applies of the reasons for giving it.
(6)
If the Secretary of State gives a direction under this section, the Secretary of State may direct the local planning authorities to which it is given to amend their local development schemes so that they cover the joint development plan document to which it relates.
(7)
A joint development plan document is a development plan document which is, or is required to be, prepared jointly by two or more local planning authorities pursuant to a direction under this section.