The Local Plan is the key document in Hillingdon’s development plan. The Development Plan is the group of documents which set out the council’s planning policies. Planning law requires that applications for planning permission be determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The council must consider the National Planning Policy Framework in preparing the development plan, and it is a material consideration in planning decisions.
National policy sets out that local planning authorities should prepare Local Plans to provide a positive vision for the future of each area, meet housing needs, address economic, social, and environmental priorities, and provide a platform for residents to shape their surroundings.
The Local Plan guides decisions on future development proposals and addresses the needs and opportunities of the area as part of the borough's statutory development plan. A Local Plan may include policies covering:
- Housing
- Employment
- Shops and social infrastructure
- Developments and design
- Economy
- Natural infrastructure
- Transport
- Heritage and culture.
The Local Plan must be prepared with the objective of contributing to the achievement of sustainable development (Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, Section 39(2)).