1.0.1 The planning system helps to decide who can build what, where and how. The purpose of the planning system is to deliver sustainable development. Sustainable development is about directing development to the right locations and delivering high standards in all new development.
1.0.2 In 2010 the Council adopted its Core Strategy which sets the spatial planning framework for development of the borough over the next 10 to 20 years. It is a strategic document providing the broad strategy for the scale and distribution of development and the provision of supporting infrastructure. It contains core policies for guiding patterns of development.
1.0.3 This Development Management Document, (DMD) provides detailed criteria and standard based policies by which planning applications will be determined and will be a key vehicle in delivering the vision and objectives for Enfield as set out in the Core Strategy.
1.0.4 The Core Strategy, DMD and Area Action Plans collectively form Enfield's Local Plan. Details of the relationship between these documents and Supplementary Planning Documents can be found in figure 1.1. The most up to date information on the Local Plan work programme can be found in the Council's Local Development Scheme.
1.0.5 The Council submitted the DMD to the Government for public examination in January 2014. The Inspector appointed to examine the DMD concluded that the DMD provided an appropriate basis for the planning of the borough, satisfied the requirements of Section 20(5) of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and met the criteria for soundness as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.
1.0.6 The DMD evolved following three stages of formal public consultation. In July 2012 a Draft DMD was published for 12 weeks of consultation. In May 2013, the Council published the Proposed Submission DMD for a further 12 week period of consultation. The third and final consultation took place following the examination hearings, on the 'Main Modifications' set out by the Inspector, in June 2014.
Figure 1.1 ENFIELD LOCAL PLAN: RELATIONSHIP OF COMPONENT DOCUMENTS
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
1.1.1 As part of the Localism agenda and the passing of powers from Central Government to Local Government; communities and individuals, the Government published its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in March 2012. Replacing the previous Planning Policy Guidance Notes and Statements, the NPPF sets out the Government's planning policies and how these are expected to be applied.
1.1.2 The NPPF must be taken into account in the preparation of local plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions. It provides the framework within which local people and their accountable councils can produce their own distinctive local plans which reflect the needs and priorities of their communities. This DMD, prepared in consultation with Enfield's communities, reflects local needs and priorities.
1.1.3 The DMD is consistent with the NPPF. Alongside the Core Strategy, it contributes towards the achievement of sustainable development, sets out opportunities for development and clear guidance on what will or will not be permitted. The DMD is being prepared alongside the development of Enfield's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to ensure that the costs associated with policy compliance and infrastructure delivery do not render developments unviable.
London Plan
1.1.4 The London Plan (2011) and Revised Early Minor Alterations (2013) form part of the development plan for Enfield, providing both strategic guidance and development management policies to deliver strategic objectives. The Mayor of London has also published Draft Further Alterations to the London Plan (January 2014), which are currently subject to examination. These further alterations are scheduled to be incorporated into the London Plan in 2014/15.
1.2.1 The evidence base ensures that policies are based on sound principles. The evidence base, key challenges and opportunities identified in chapter 2 and appendix 4 of the Core Strategy remain relevant to the preparation of this document.
1.2.2 A wide range of studies underpin the Core Strategy and these have been supplemented with further studies and analysis on: housing need, employment land, town centre boundaries, flood risk, energy, open space, nature conservation, Green Belt boundaries, and tall buildings and view corridors. In addition a viability study is ongoing to inform both the Community Infrastructure Levy and the Development Management Document. Further details are set out in the Appendix to this document: Appendix 1: 'Evidence Base'.
1.2.3 The Council has also undertaken a Sustainability Appraisal to assess the impact of the DMD on the social, economic and environmental impacts of each policy. The Sustainability Appraisal Report accompanies this document.
1.3.1 Planning applications in Enfield will be determined using the adopted Core Strategy policies (2010), relevant policies in the London Plan, and the policies within this document. All previously 'saved' policies within the Council's Unitary Development Plan (1994) have expired or been replaced. Further details are provided in Appendix 2.
1.3.2 The Development Management Document will guide decisions on planning applications within Enfield. Each DMD policy links to one or more of the Core Strategy policies. The relationship to relevant core policies is highlighted throughout this document.
1.3.3 The document was prepared in consultation with residents, businesses, statutory bodies and Enfield's voluntary and community sector. Further information about the consultation and details on how the responses have informed this document are set out in the Consultation Report submitted alongside the DMD for examination.
1.3.1.1 This DMD is accompanied by the adopted Policies Map (2014). The Policies Map (2014) now supersedes the Core Strategy Proposals Map (2010). The Policies Map shows land use designations referred to in policies set out in all adopted Local Plan documents including the Core Strategy and DMD. It will be revised each time a new Local Plan document is adopted.
1.3.1.2 To assist with the interpretation of DMD policies the following additional maps and diagrams are provided in Appendix 15:
1.3.2.1 In making decisions on planning applications, the Council will balance the need to promote economic growth, support social wellbeing, protect the environment and ensure the prudent use of natural resources.
When considering development proposals the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. The Council will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in Enfield Local Plan documents will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether:
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1.3.2.2 The Council's Core Strategy sets out economic, social and environmental planning policies based on the identified needs of the borough over the next 10-15 years. Taken together these policies define what sustainable development is for the borough. Enfield's 2020 Sustainability Programme and Action Plan (2013) also demonstrates how these elements of sustainable development can simultaneously be achieved.
1.3.2.3 The development management policies within this document seek to ensure that decisions are made which deliver the economic, social and environmental components of sustainable development. This will be delivered through policies which protect employment land and jobs, homes, community facilities, open space and natural habitats and through policies which set standards for sustainable design and construction, and energy savings.
1.3.2.4 A key element of sustainable development is ensuring the creation of sustainable communities. All new development is expected to play its part and should recognise and respond to the needs of communities, maximise opportunities to create sustainable communities and deliver accessible and inclusive 12 Enfield Council Enfield's Development Management Document Adopted (November 2014) 1 Introduction environments. Developments will be expected to be of good design and be appropriately located. In accordance with the London Plan, new development should be designed to meet Lifetime Neighbourhood principles.
1.4.1 The DMD contains policies for all types of planning application: from householder extensions to major residential, commercial and mixed use development. It will be used by the Council's Planning Officers and Planning Committee to make decisions on planning applications.
1.4.2 The policies and standards adopted within the DMD form an integral part of Enfield's Local Plan and will be used alongside policies contained in the London Plan and Core Strategy to determine planning applications. The policies have 'Development Plan' status as detailed in Section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.
1.4.3 The DMD policies will be supplemented with Area Action Plans and Neighbourhood Plans as they emerge, which will also have Development Plan status.
1.5.1 Policies contained within this document will be implemented through the planning application decision making process. Planning approvals, conditions, Section 106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy payments will be used to delivery infrastructure, facilities and services in line with the strategic direction provided by the Core Strategy.
1.5.2 Further guidance on the implementation of policies will be provided through Supplementary Planning Documents such as the Enfield Design Guide.