The key features of the new 'plan-led system' are:
• plan preparation is a continuous process with scope for overlapping DPDs; the evidence base and monitoring play a more comprehensive role and the Local Planning Authority (LPA) must demonstrate how they are integrated into the plan preparation process;
• each LPA must prepare a SCI which outlines how the authority will proactively engage the community on issues with an emphasis on 'front loading'; that is, involving people at the earliest stage in plan preparation to help identify issues and to seek solutions, thus reducing potential conflicts at examination stage;
• the new system requires sustainability appraisal (incorporating the requirements of SEA11) to be applied to development plan documents and integrated into their development;
• it is a spatial, rather than land use, approach to planning, to ensure the most efficient use of land by balancing competing demands within the context of sustainable development. The land use planning system has always focused on the regulation and control of the use of land. The new system seeks to go beyond this by considering other strategies and plans of agencies not directly involved in land use planning, but which have an impact upon spatial development; and
• each LPA must produce a LDS (local development scheme) which sets out the programme for DPD preparation. This is a very useful document which the WDA should have, as it states which DPD are to be prepared and the dates when consultation will occur.
The above features are some of those tested by an inspector or panel as part of the Examination of the RSS or DPD (in particular one of the purposes of the Examination into the DPD is to determine whether the DPD is sound).
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11 See footnote 9.