What are supplementary plans?
A supplementary plan is an extra planning document that we, as local councils, can create to provide more detailed guidance on specific matters, such as the design of new developments or how particular sites should be used. These plans help to set clear expectations and standards for future building and development in certain areas.
Supplementary plans have been introduced as part of the new local plan-making system and shouldn’t be confused with Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) which were prepared to provide additional information for a specific policy in an existing local plan.
When adopted, supplementary plans carry the same importance as the main local plan. This means they will be used to help decide planning applications, giving both communities and developers confidence about what is required.
These new documents are optional and enable us to react and respond positively to unanticipated changes in our area, between local plan cycles.
At the early stage of preparing our new local plan, we have not identified a need to prepare any supplementary plans. If we decide to create any new supplementary plans, this will be made clear through our communication channels, be updated on the local plan timetable and be published on our website(s).
How are supplementary plans prepared?
The process for preparing supplementary plans is very similar to how we make the main local plan, but there are some differences. While both involve community consultation and engagement, there are fewer requirements for creating supplementary plans as they are shorter and focus on specific topics or locations.
For supplementary plans, we are required to publish a notice when we start work and carry out at least one six-week consultation period, so everyone has a chance to give their views.
Should we decide to prepare a supplementary plan, we will remain committed to involving the public and local groups and our approach will follow our guiding principles of consultation and engagement. We will reach out to those most likely to be affected and use a range of methods, such as public meetings or workshops and online consultation, to ensure your voice is heard. Although these plans focus on specific areas or issues, the consultation process will be open to everyone.