What is a Spatial Development Strategy?
A Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) is a long-term plan for how an area should grow and change. It will look across Gloucestershire as a whole and help make important choices about where new homes and jobs should go, what infrastructure will be needed, and how growth can respond to climate change and support nature, health and thriving communities. SDSs are being introduced across England to help address important planning issues that cross council boundaries.
The SDS is part of a suite of planning documents that help to guide development for the future. Together they are called the Development Plan which consists of:
- SDS
- Local Plan
- Neighbourhood Plan
- Minerals and Waste Plan
- Supplementary Plans
How will it work?
The SDS will look ahead for at least 25 years and set the broad strategic direction for Gloucestershire. It will identify broad locations for growth, rather than choosing individual development sites. More detailed decisions about specific sites and local planning policies will continue to be made through Local Plans.
The SDS will also help bring decisions about development together with planning for transport, water, energy, schools, health services, digital infrastructure and the natural environment, so that infrastructure and investment can be considered alongside future growth.
The SDS will be informed by evidence and engagement with communities, councils, infrastructure providers and other organisations. There will be opportunities for people to have their say as it develops, followed by independent examination before it is adopted.
In simple terms: the SDS will provide the big picture for Gloucestershire, while Local Plans will provide more of the local detail.
An SDS may answer these strategic questions:
- What is the long-term vision for the area?
- How much growth is needed and broadly where should it go?
- What strategic infrastructure is required?
- How will nature recovery and environmental enhancement be delivered?
- What cross-boundary issues require strategic action?
The SDS will not:
- Replace Local Plans.
- Decide individual planning applications.
- Allocate every development site.
- Determine the detailed design of development.
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