Wycombe Development Framework
The Planning and Compensation Act, which came into force in September 2004, introduced a new system of "Plan-making" to replace the existing system of Local Plans and Structure Plans, with a system of Local Development Frameworks (LDF). To find out more about the planning system use the link at the bottom of the page to visit the Planning and Building pages on the Communities and Local Government website.
LDFs will consist of a series of documents that set out the policies and proposals for the use of land. We are now preparing an LDF, called the Wycombe Development Framework (WDF). As part of the preparation of the WDF we undertake public consultations on our draft plans. For more information please see Planning Consultations.
Local Development Scheme
As part of our LDF, we have to prepare a Local Development Scheme (LDS) and agree this with the Government. This sets out the documents that our Policy team will produce over the next three years for the Wycombe Development Framework. We have an updated LDS approved by the Government Office for the South East (GoSE).
The documents within the LDS will gradually take the place of the Local Plan to inform decision-making.
View the Local Development Scheme .
Statement of Community Involvement
As part of the WDF, we have to prepare a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). This document sets out how the community can be involved in, and consulted on, the preparation of the WDF and significant planning applications.
View the adopted SCI document on our Statement of Community involvement page.
Development Plan Documents
Development Plan Documents (or DPDs) set out the main strategy and policies for the WDF. Unlike the Local Plan this is split into a number of different documents:
Position Statement on Housing and Land for Business
In July 2011 we agreed a Position Statement on Housing and Land for Business. This sets out our position on a number of general policy and site specific issues relating to housing and business development. These issues used to form part of the Delivery & Site Allocations document but will now be addresses in the forthcoming review of the WDF Core Strategy.
Amongst the issues covered in this document are:
- Current position on meeting housing requirements
- Policies relating to the protection of business land and the approach to mixed use sites
- Site specific proposals including:
- Leigh Street, Desborough
- Compair and De La Rue, Hughenden
- RAF Daws Hill, High Wycombe
- Cressex Island, High Wycombe
- Handy Cross Sports Centre, High Wycombe
- Picts Lane, Princes Risborough
This is not a consultation document but is a material consideration for Development Management purposes, albeit containing less weight than adopted development plan documents.
The Position Statement is available to download below.
Supplementary Planning Documents
Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) cover a range of issues and give more detailed information on the policies within the WDF. See Planning Guidance to view copies of the SPDs.
Sustainability Appraisal
The Sustainability Appraisal process assesses the policies within the WDF to ensure they are compatible with the aims of sustainability, and achieving high levels of environmental, social and economic performance. A Sustainability Appraisal is published with each version of a Development Plan Document (DPD).
Annual Monitoring Report
The Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) contains information showing how our planning policies, as set out in the Wycombe Development Framework, are performing against key indicators. This includes information on housing delivery, employment, environment and infrastructure including developer contributions. You can download the Annual Monitoring Report and its accompanying Technical Appendices below. This report now contains an update on our five year and long term housing supply.
Technical studies to inform the Wycombe Development Framework
Various technical studies have been undertaken to inform and support the policies contained within the WDF. Our technical studies are divided by the following themes:
Planning Portal (Opens in new window)
The Planning Portal is the UK Government's planning resource. Use the site to learn about the planning system, apply for planning permission, find out about developments near you, appeal against a planning decision and research the latest government policy.
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