Core Strategy DPD

A Core Strategy is being prepared jointly with Torridge district. It is a document that will set out the vision, strategic objectives and spatial strategy for delivering future development across Northern Devon until 2026. It will help to achieve sustainable development and create more sustainable communities. It will replace parts of the adopted Local Plans and the Devon Structure Plan.

draft Core Strategy January 2010

In January 2010, a summary leaflet was made available in the local press, and at various locations such as our Community Offices, libraries, post offices, doctor's surgeries etc.  The leaflet also publicised a number of public exhibitions across the two districts throughout January and February, and a copy is attached below.

"Both councils have worked together to produce the draft Core Strategy, to address how northern Devon should look in the future.  This joint vision sets out the direction for development over the next 16 years, and looks to ensure we retain and build on our world class environment, not only for our towns, but also our rural communities.  Therefore, it's vitally important that everyone is encouraged to share their views on the proposals."
Des Brailey, Leader of North Devon Council, James Morrish, Leader of Torridge District Council.

The full document is available for viewing and comment using our online consultation portal by clicking on the link below:

The Core Strategy's relationship with the Community Strategy and LAA

Matrix showing the showing how the Core Strategy policies contribute to LAA and SCS priorities (pdf 45.6kb)

Northern Devon Joint Sustainable Community Strategy (May 2009) (pdf 263kb)

Sustainability Appraisal of the Strategic Alternative Options (pdf 533kb)
The Sustainability Appraisal (SSA) identifies positive and negative effects in terms of sustainability indicators and highlights the perceived strengths and weaknesses of alternative options for the distribution of future development.


Core Strategy Policy Scoping

Following the Workshops held in April, the following reports have been produced with the aim of assisting in the process of developing the policies.

Issue and Options Feedback Report

The Core Strategy Issues and Options Feedback Report summarises the comments received during the consultation period, the Councils’ responses, agreed actions and issues to be addressed by policies.

Engagement Plan

The Core Strategy will be prepared in accordance with the Project Implementation Document (PID) and the draft LDS. We have prepared an Engagement Plan setting out how the Councils propose to engage in preparing the Core Strategy. Please use the form to comment on the suitability of this programme.

Core Strategy Issues and Options Report (November 2007)

The initial consultation period ran from 8 November to to 20 December 2007.  However, the deadline was extended until January 31st 2008 to provide further opportunities to respond.

The timetable for preparation of the Core Strategy is set out in the adopted Local Development Scheme. The key stages are shown below

Core Strategy Timetable Flowchart (pdf 9.95kb)

A series of public exhibitions were held across North Devon and Torridge. A six-week public consultation period commenced on Thursday 8 November 2007 and was extended until Thursday 31 January 2008. Both Councils will consider all written comments that are returned on time and relevant to this document and all representations will be considered jointly by both Councils.

You are encouraged to respond to the document online. Alternatively a questionnaire can be downloaded, completed and returned to ldf@northdevon.gov.uk

Background documents

Sustainability Appraisal

A Sustainability Appraisal Framework was adopted in April 2006. It sets out 18 sustainability objectives and a list of indicators for each. Torridge has slightly different sustainability objectives and indicators. It is proposed to merge these two lists, rationalise the number of indicators and use indicators for which baseline information and published data are readily available.

The draft combined Sustainability Appraisal Framework is published for consultation. It will be needed for the Sustainability Appraisal required for later stages in the preparation of the Core Strategy. You are invited to comment on the draft Sustainability Appraisal Framework. Your comments should arrive no later than 5pm on Thursday 20 December 2007.

Further Information

If you have any questions or require further information about the Issues and Options report or the Core Strategy, please contact ldf@northdevon.gov.uk, telephone 01271 388392 or write to the Planning Policy team at Civic Centre, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1EA.