Frequently Asked Questions (Planning Policy)

Frequently Asked Questions (Planning Policy)

1. What is the LDF and how does it affect my planning application?
LDF is an abbreviation of the Harrogate District  Local Development Framework (LDF) which comprises a range of documents, including Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) that guide the development and conservation of the District up to 2021 and beyond.  Planning applications are determined in accordance with the policies of DPDs unless other material considerations (e.g. need, design, traffic, amenity, pollution or sustainability considerations) indicate otherwise.

The DPDs of the Harrogate District LDF, Harrogate District Local Plan, The Minerals and Waste Development Framework and the Yorkshire and Humber Plan (3MB) (the Regional Spatial Strategy) make up the Development Plan for Harrogate District.  The Harrogate District Local Plan will be superseded when the LDF is complete.

2. What is the Council's current position in the LDF process?
The Council adopted the Harrogate District Core Strategy in February 2009.  Work is now progressing on the Sites & Policies DPD.  This DPD (scheduled for adoption in 2013) will contain development control policies and allocations to support the delivery of the Core Strategy.  For more information on the LDF documents and their timetable for production you can read the Local Development Scheme (680KB).

3. Is the Council consulting on the LDF at the moment and how can I get involved?
For the latest information on LDF consultations go to the Sites & Policies DPD page and choose the topic you are interested in.

4. Where can I find current Core Strategy and Local Plan Policies?
For information on all Core Strategy and Local Plan Policies, including details of the Local Plan policies which are no longer in use please see the Core Strategy and a list of Harrogate District Local Plan Policies (15KB) - indicating those that apply and those that have been superseded.)

5. What is the difference between the LDF and the Local Plan?
The Harrogate District Local Plan (and its Selective Alteration) have formed the basis of our local planning policy since their adoption in 2001 and 2004 respectively.  However, planning policies for Harrogate District are currently in a period of transition: the Harrogate District  Local Development Framework (LDF) will contain policies to replace those in the Local Plan.  The LDF's Core Strategy has already replaced some Local Plan policies.

The commencement of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 saw all policies of the Local Plan (as amended in 2004) 'saved' for use from 27 September 2007.  The LDF Core Strategy was adopted on 11 Feb 2009 and contains a number of policies which supersede 'saved' policies of both the Local Plan and its Selective Alteration. The list of Harrogate District Local Plan Policies (137KB) indicates those that apply and those that have been superseded.

6. Which Planning policies relate to Affordable Housing Provision?
Chapter 9: Housing (282KB) of the Harrogate District Local Plan - in particular Policy H5, and chapters 3 and 4 of the Core Strategy deal with Settlement Growth and Homes for Local People.  Affordable Housing - Guidance for Developers & Planners (1.8MB) is also available.  Also see the Homes for Local People page of the Sites and Policies DPD on this website and read the  Draft Homes for Local People (SPD) (pub. 2007) Harrogate Borough Council (400KB).

7. Where can I find the development limits for a settlement?  Are they set to change?
Development Limits are marked on the Harrogate District Local Plan Proposals Map.  They will be reviewed as part of the work being carried out for the Sites & Policies DPD.

Some settlements identified in Core Strategy Policy SG2 (Settlement Growth: Hierarchy & Limits) do not currently have adopted development limits. Where this is the case, the draft development limits drawn in the Development Limits Issues & Options document (7.9MB)(pub. January/February 2008) will be used as a guide of the extent of a settlement's main built up area.  Also see the Development Limits page of the Sites and Policies DPD on this website.

8. Where can I find the Proposals Map, when will it be updated?
The Harrogate District Local Plan Proposals Map is the one currently in use but, note, it will be superseded as part of the work being carried out for the Sites & Policies DPD (scheduled for adoption late 2013).

9. Where are the Conservation Areas?
There are 52 Conservation Areas within Harrogate District.  Conservation Areas are concerned principally with the conservation of built heritage, not nature conservation.

10. Where are the Green Belts?
Harrogate District incorporates parts of the West Yorkshire and York Green Belts.  Those areas of Green Belt In Harrogate District can be viewed on the Harrogate Local Plan Proposals Map.