Local Development Scheme (LDS)

The Local Development Scheme (LDS) is a public statement outlining a council’s timetable for preparing development plan documents, including local plans, to be used in the determination of planning applications within a specific area.

Purpose of the scheme

A Local Development Scheme (LDS) is required under Section 15 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended)1. It specifies the following things:

  • The development plan documents which, when prepared, will comprise part of the
    development plan for the area.
  • The subject matter and geographical area to which each is to relate.
  • The timetable for the preparation or revision of the development plan documents.

South Hams District Council currently have an adopted Joint Local Plan (JLP) that was written, adopted and implemented in partnership with West Devon Borough Council and Plymouth City Council. The three councils will not be preparing a new Joint Local Plan that covers the city sub-region but will instead South Hams will prepare and adopt a Local Plan for our area only, and as such this LDS applies only to South Hams.