Once information and evidence has been gathered and the objectives for the plan have been set, planning authorities work with 'stakeholder' organisations and local communities to develop a range of future options for the plan area. These are considered to see which option, or combination of options, are most appropriate for the plan area. Planning authorities have choices as to how they work with communities at this stage. Some work closely with local communities at this early stage of plan-making, because they believe the final plan will enjoy more public confidence. Other authorities do not expend as much effort to draw local people into generating and selecting options, believing that it will slow down the plan preparation process.

After considering broad options, a Pre-Deposit Local Development Plan is then prepared by the planning authority. This goes out for public consultation for a minimum period of six weeks. It is not a full draft version of the plan, but sets out the authority's overall objectives for the plan and the 'preferred strategy' for growth or change over the plan period. This preferred strategy will usually include options for major development sites.

During the consultation period, local communities and stakeholder organisations are invited to give their views on the pre-deposit plan. Responses to the consultation can influence the preferred strategy, by suggesting modifications or alternatives, providing they are compatible with the LDP’s main objectives.

At this stage, planning authorities should consider whether the plan strategy is 'sound'. For more information on what makes a plan 'sound', click on 'Examination' in the left hand menu. Also, landowners, developers and members of the public can suggest at this stage 'candidate sites' for possible inclusion in the 'deposit' version LDP.

This is the probably the most important stage for you and your community if you want to influence the plan. Anyone can submit their views to the planning authority during the consultation period. However, you do need to make sure that your views are sent in, either by post or email, using the relevant form.

Consultation on the pre-deposit local development plan lasts for a minimum period of six weeks. During this time, the plan and related documents can be viewed either at the council planning offices or on its website. At the end of the consultation period, the council draws together all the contributions received (known as 'representations') and writes a report explaining what it intends to do about them.