Next Steps – From LDP draft Plan Strategy Onwards

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This LDP draft Plan Strategy (dPS) is a consultation document, to which representations can be made for the formal consultation period.  The PS document is widely available, together with the associated documents. Public Meetings were held throughout the District during December 2019 and January 2020, with the consultation period closing on 27^th January. In March and April 2020, a period of consultation for Counter-Representations was commenced, but this was cancelled due to the Coronavirus restrictions. Due to a procedural error with the original consultation for Representations, the Council undertook a period of re-consultation on the LDP draft Plan Strategy (dPS), for a period of 8 weeks from 11th September to 6th November 2020.

Following the above consultation, we have sorted the Representations, published them and then hold a further 8-week consultation for Counter-Representations (from 27^th November 2020 to 22^nd January 2021), then consider them, report to the Planning Committee, re-consider our Self-Assessed Statement of Soundness (SASS) and / or possibly consider if any Focussed Changes or Modifications are required. We would then submit the draft Plan Strategy plus Representations to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), who will then assess it and request an Independent Examination to be held (IE). The IE will be held and an IE-Report issued to DfI. If it is considered to be ‘sound’, the Council will amend as appropriate and Adopt the LDP Plan Strategy (PS).

The Council will then commence the LDP Local Policies Plan (LPP) and go through a similar process.  The Local Policies Plan (LPP) will follow around the end of 2023 in accordance with the published Timetable (see summary below).  Hence, the LDP will be completed, for implementation / delivery (with subsequent Monitoring and Review) to help the Council to make Derry City and Strabane District a thriving, prosperous and sustainable area – Planning for balanced and appropriate high-quality development, whilst protecting our environment, and also promoting well-being with equality of opportunity for all.

Key Stages In Timetable For Preparation Of Our Local Development Plan