Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) gives guidance on the implementation of the Joint Local Plan.

The Plymouth and South West Devon Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) has now been adopted by all three joint Councils.

It was adopted by Plymouth City Council on 22 June 2020, West Devon Borough Council on 9 June 2020 and South Hams District Council on 16 July 2020.

The SPD has been prepared by the three local authorities to amplify and give guidance on the implementation of the policies of the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan (JLP).

Please see below the adopted version of the SPD and the adoption statement.

We are required to publish updates and corrections to the SPD regularly. You can see the most recent updates using the link below:

Updates and Corrections to the SPD

First Homes

The Government has introduced a new type of affordable housing product, known as First Homes. From 2022, we could expect at least 25 per cent of affordable homes delivered through planning obligations to be First Homes. To count as a First Home the dwelling must be sold to a first time buyer for at least a 30 per cent discount against the market value and the first sale will not be higher than £250,000.  

Further Guidance is also available in the Written Ministerial Statement. We will monitor interest in, and delivery of, this new product and continue to negotiate the most appropriate mix of housing types to meet local needs across the JLP area. This will be done in line with our flexible policies and the adopted Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) below. We recognise that this new national policy is a material consideration in the decision-making process. 

Companion Documents

In addition to the SPD, there are three companion documents which have also been adopted to support the guidance within the SPD:

  • Traditional Farm Buildings: Their Adaptation and Re-use (Barn Guide) - this document will help developers who are looking to adapt or re-use traditional farm buildings.
  • Developer Contributions Evidence Base  - this informs Section 12 of the SPD. It presents methodologies used to calculate the value of developer contributions required to mitigate the impacts of new development proposals on key infrastructure provision.

  • This statement responds directly to the Climate Emergency declarations issued across Plymouth and South West Devon. It identifies what all new developments need to do to meet the challenge of Climate Change. The statement has the status of an interim policy statement and guidance and therefore must be taken into account when determining a planning application. It is not the same as a formal SPD but should be used and considered in a similar way in the planning process.