The aim of this stage is to identify the main issues and objectives to be addressed in the Local Development Plan, and to establish the information which is needed to prepare a good plan. This is called the 'evidence base'.
Developing this evidence base is a continuous process. In order to achieve a 'sound' plan, your authority will collect a wide range of economic, social, and environmental information to provide a factual base for the plan. For example, information on an area's existing housing stock will be collected and compared against future demand for housing. This will help to decide how much new housing will be needed over the plan period.
The LDP needs to encourage development that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. A Sustainability Appraisal Report will show how this has been considered.
Opportunities to get involved
Your local authority may ask you and your community or local organisation for information about your area. Members of the local community and organisations can help develop the evidence base by providing detailed information about their area which the planning authority may not already know about. This might be the things that you think make the area special, or particular sites which you think should be considered for future development.
