Planning policy explained
There is a hierarchy in planning policy:
- National planning policy takes the lead.
- Planning policies developed at borough level have to be in general conformity with national policy.
- Planning policies developed at parish or ‘neighbourhood’ level have to be in conformity with both national and borough policy. Neighbourhood plans cannot contradict national or borough policies but should focus on local issues, adding a layer of local detail. If planning guidance already exists at national or borough level, there is no need for it to be repeated in a neighbourhood plan.
National planning documents
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2
The National Design Guide (NDG) can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-design-guide
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2
The National Design Guide (NDG) can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-design-guide
Local planning documents
There are four important planning documents currently being produced at borough and parish level which will have an impact on future development in Datchet. They are all in draft form at present (April 2020).
1. Draft Borough Local Plan (BLP)
This sets out a planning strategy for the whole of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead up to 2033. It contains policies and guidance which any new development would have to respect in order to obtain planning permission. It is broad-brush and very wide-reaching in scope. The following elements of planning are considered, among others:
2 Draft Borough-wide Design Guide (BDG)
The BDG is a guide for planning officers, developers and communities on the design of buildings, places and open spaces which can enhance the quality of life and prevent some of the poor quality developments which have degraded our settlements in the past. It is broad-based and wide reaching and covers the following, among other aspects: local character; layout, connectivity, street design and open spaces; housing density, building scale and massing, architectural details, materials and colours; conversions and extensions; amenity including privacy, outlook and sunlight; boundary treatments; non-residential development; design in flood risk areas, etc. This forms part of the BLP and, if adopted, will be a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
Find out more: The consultation is now closed but the draft BDG can be viewed at http://consult.rbwm.gov.uk/portal/spd/dg/dg?tab=files
3. Draft Datchet Design Guide (DDG)
This complements the BDG giving local detail on the character, architecture and green space which create a sense of place to Datchet and which local residents identify as attractive and enjoyable. It gives guidance on good practice which should be followed when designing extensions or any new development to ensure it's appropriate for Datchet. As a Supplementary Planning Document, the DDG will sit alongside the BDG and carry the same weight.
Find out more: The consultation is now closed but the draft DDG can be viewed here: http://consult.rbwm.gov.uk/portal/spd/ddg/ddg?tab=files Further information and a copy of the draft DDG is also available on this website.
4. Emerging Datchet Neighbourhood Plan (DNP)
This follows the relevant policies, strategies and guidance of the emerging BLP and places them within the context of Datchet. In addition the DNP can put forward additional policies and projects which are in keeping with the BLP but more specific to Datchet. The DDG will form part of the DNP as it highlights the particular architectural details and green areas which give Datchet its character.
It can cover topics such as: the built environment; blue (rivers and lakes) and green environment; getting around (transport, footpaths and cycle paths); heritage and community assets; business and economy; sustainable development, mitigation of flooding, and drainage.
1. Draft Borough Local Plan (BLP)
This sets out a planning strategy for the whole of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead up to 2033. It contains policies and guidance which any new development would have to respect in order to obtain planning permission. It is broad-brush and very wide-reaching in scope. The following elements of planning are considered, among others:
- Housing - where housing estates could be built, what types are needed, how many, housing densities and affordability etc.
- Employment sites - retail, commercial and industrial.
- Town-centre regeneration – particularly in Windsor and Maidenhead.
- Heritage assets - conservation, tourism and leisure.
- Managing flood risk and waterways
- Environmental protection and climate change
2 Draft Borough-wide Design Guide (BDG)
The BDG is a guide for planning officers, developers and communities on the design of buildings, places and open spaces which can enhance the quality of life and prevent some of the poor quality developments which have degraded our settlements in the past. It is broad-based and wide reaching and covers the following, among other aspects: local character; layout, connectivity, street design and open spaces; housing density, building scale and massing, architectural details, materials and colours; conversions and extensions; amenity including privacy, outlook and sunlight; boundary treatments; non-residential development; design in flood risk areas, etc. This forms part of the BLP and, if adopted, will be a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
Find out more: The consultation is now closed but the draft BDG can be viewed at http://consult.rbwm.gov.uk/portal/spd/dg/dg?tab=files
3. Draft Datchet Design Guide (DDG)
This complements the BDG giving local detail on the character, architecture and green space which create a sense of place to Datchet and which local residents identify as attractive and enjoyable. It gives guidance on good practice which should be followed when designing extensions or any new development to ensure it's appropriate for Datchet. As a Supplementary Planning Document, the DDG will sit alongside the BDG and carry the same weight.
Find out more: The consultation is now closed but the draft DDG can be viewed here: http://consult.rbwm.gov.uk/portal/spd/ddg/ddg?tab=files Further information and a copy of the draft DDG is also available on this website.
4. Emerging Datchet Neighbourhood Plan (DNP)
This follows the relevant policies, strategies and guidance of the emerging BLP and places them within the context of Datchet. In addition the DNP can put forward additional policies and projects which are in keeping with the BLP but more specific to Datchet. The DDG will form part of the DNP as it highlights the particular architectural details and green areas which give Datchet its character.
It can cover topics such as: the built environment; blue (rivers and lakes) and green environment; getting around (transport, footpaths and cycle paths); heritage and community assets; business and economy; sustainable development, mitigation of flooding, and drainage.