What is Planning Policy?
The documents that form local planning policy are currently referred to a 'Local Development Framework'. This can be thought of as a folder, containing several types of documents that outline the spatial strategy for Bolton. These are used to help plan for the long term growth of the borough and as the basis to determine planning applications. We are currently working on the documents that make up the Local Development Framework (LDF), and this is supported by specific information referred to as the evidence base.
The Local Development Framework must include an Annual Monitoring Report, Local Development Scheme, Statement of Community Involvement, Supplementary Planning Documents and Development Plan Documents.
The main Development Plan Document is the Core Strategy, and this is complemented by the Allocations Plan and a proposals map, all of which help describe the spatial strategy of the local area.
Statutory Development Plan or Local Plan
Core Strategy
The Core Strategy is the key document which sets out the spatial vision and strategy for the district.
- Consultation on the Core Strategy Issues & Options concluded in Autumn 2007
- Consultation on Preferred Options happened in Autumn 2008 and Summer 2009
- The Core Strategy Publication document was released in Spring 2010
- The Core Strategy was submitted to the Secretary of State on 7 May 2010 for its public examination
- The Core Strategy examination hearings took place in Autumn 2010
- The council adopted the Core Strategy in March 2011
Allocations Plan
The Allocations Plan (also known as the Allocations Development Plan Document) will allocate specific sites for specific land uses, such as housing or jobs, in line with the objectives of the Core Strategy.
Informal consultation on the draft Allocations Plan concluded in January 2012.
Waste Plan
The Joint Waste Development Plan Document (JWDPD) was adopted on 1 April 2012 and provides a sub-regional planning policy framework for sustainable waste management. This identifies sites and preferred areas for a range of waste management facilities required up until 2027 across Greater Manchester. The plan includes two sites for built facilities in Bolton. The Waste Plan is included in each LDF across Greater Manchester.
Minerals Plan
The Joint Minerals Development Plan Document (JMDPD) will provide a sub-regional planning policy framework for minerals. This will provide a clear guide to minerals operators and the public about locations where mineral extraction may take place; the safeguarding of sensitive environmental features and of mineral resources with potential for future extraction; and all aspects of environmental and resource protection including the sustainable transportation of minerals. The Minerals Plan will be included in each LDF across Greater Manchester.
Other LDF documents
Annual Monitoring Report
The Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) contains information relating to Bolton, and is one of a number of documents that need to be included in the Local Development Framework. The report is submitted to the government by the local authority to assess the progress and effectiveness of the LDF.
Local Development Scheme (LDS)
The 
Local Development Scheme (LDS) is a project plan that contains information about the production timetable for Development Plan Documents and Supplementary Planning Documents.
The council approved a new LDS in July 2011, and brought it into effect on 3 August 2011. The new LDS replaces the November 2009 version.
Statement of Community Involvement
The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) is a formal statement of the Council’s policy for involving people in its planning responsibilities. Consultation on documents in the Local Development Framework and on planning applications must comply with the SCI. It sets out who will be involved, by what method, and at what point.
The current SCI was approved on 25th Jan 2011 by the Executive Member for Development, Regeneration and Skills. This replaces the previous SCI which was adopted in February 2007. The SCI was updated to take account of changes made by government to how plans are prepared, to reflect experience gained from Core Strategy consultation and to incorporate a revised approach to neighbourhood consultation on planning applications.
Supplementary Planning Documents
A Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is a Local Development Document that may cover a range of issues, thematic or site specific, and provides further detail of policies and proposals in a 'parent' Development Plan Document. It does not form part of the Development Plan, but is a material consideration on planning applications. Bolton currently has six adopted Supplementary Planning Documents.
Archive
The archive page is where you can find copies of older documents, reports and consultation exercises relating to the LDF.