Local Development Plans – Departmental Directions – Plan Strategies

Each council must prepare a local development plan (LDP) for their area in consultation with the local community.

Local Development Plans comprises a Plan Strategy (PS) and a Local Policies Plan (LPP).  The process can be viewed at  Development plans | nidirect  The Plan Strategy stage includes the vision, objectives, growth strategy and strategic policies for the council area.

The Plan Strategy is tested for ‘soundness’ at the Independent Examination (IE), these tests are based on:

  • content
  • conformity with central government regional plans, policy and guidance
  • process used to produce the plan

Following completion of the IE, the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) issues the Department with the IE Report.  This IE report is non-binding, and following receipt and consideration, the Department then issues a Direction to Council.   The council must then adopt the Plan Strategy as directed.  Details of the adopted Plan Strategies can be accessed on individual council websites.

Directions and related documents can be found below:

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