Savills : Welsh Government announce consultation for key principles of the Strategic Development Plan

Introduced as part of the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, SDPs are due to be prepared by a series of local authorities working collaboratively and will address matters that are considered 'more-than-local' scale.

Welsh Government's recent publication of its draft Future Wales: National Development Framework suggests that, amongst other matters, SDPs should consider a spatial strategy in the provision of land for housing and employment, possible constraints including green belts, and key cross-boundary infrastructure. SDPs, the most advanced of which will cover the Cardiff Capital Region, will have development plan status and proposals will be prepared in accordance with Future Wales: National Development Plan, once published. Local Development Plans (LDPs) and LDP Lites will need to be in general conformity to the SDP.

In many ways, the guidance provided in the consultation document expands that contained within the Development Plans Manual (edition 3) and continues to set the same preparation and consultation process as for LDPs. The consultation document suggests that local authorities should be capable of preparing SDPs within a period of four years.

Nick Heard, senior planner for Savills Cardiff, said: 'Welsh Government continues to progress measures to ensure its aim of achieving SDP coverage.'

'With the process for adoption of many LDP's taking in excess of four years the new measures present a challenging target. Especially given that this will be the first time SDPs have been prepared therefore increasing the likelihood of political debate.'