Local development framework

Bristol City Council is producing a new suite of planning documents to guide development decisions in the city over a 20-year period. Together these documents make up the Bristol Development Framework (BDF), which will gradually replace the Local Plan. Documents in the BDF are shorter than the Local Plan and can be produced and reviewed independently as required. A programme for preparation of these documents can be found in the Local Development Scheme (see below). The council is working hard to involve the community in the production of the BDF, details of recent Community Involvement Events are available to download.

Core Strategy

The Core Strategy sets out the council's strategic approach to shaping the future of the city. Once adopted it will become the key overarching policy document within the Bristol Development Framework, and all other policy documents will need to have regard to and be in conformity with it. The Core Strategy has now been submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

Evidence Base

The council has undertaken and commissioned a range of studies and assessments to provide a robust evidence base for the preparation of the Local Development Framework.

The Annual Monitoring report, reports on the progress of the production of documents in the Bristol Development Framework, the extent of which key objectives of the development plan are being achieved and progress against the Local Development Framework core output indicators.

Local Development Scheme 

The Local Development Scheme (LDS) is the programme for preparation of documents in the Bristol Development Framework

Site Allocations and Development Management

The Site Allocations and Development Management Document will establish planning policies for specific sites, including allocation of sites for development and protection of areas sensitive to change. It will also include detailed development management policies, where required, to support overarching policies of the core strategy. 

The Site Allocations and Development Management Options Document is being consulted on from 14th June to 29 October 2010. Further information is available on the Site Allocations web page.

Bristol Central Area Action Plan

The Bristol Central Area Action Plan will set out a detailed vision to reinforce the unique character and international reputation of the city centre will be published in this document.  Work began on this in early 2010 and includes looking at the character of the central area and the delivery of new homes and commercial, creative and leisure space.  Consistent with the Core Strategy, the Plan will also seek to maintain and improve the role of the harbour and waterways, conserve the city centre’s architectural heritage, improve transport services and revitalise areas in need of change.

Waste Development Plan Document

The four councils in the West of England are working together to produce a Joint Waste Core Strategy to set out policies, which will help planners make decisions about where major waste facilities should be located. A Preferred Options document was recently issued for public consultation.

Supplementary Planning Documents

The council has 10 adopted Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD), which provide further detail to planning policy in the adopted 1997 Local Plan.

Statement of Community Involvement 

The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) is the council's strategy for involving people in the preparation of planning policies and in emerging development proposals. 
 

BDF Updates

If you or your organisation wish to be directly contacted by the planning policy team to learn about the latest involvement & consultation events, emergence or adoption of BDF planning documents and any important news relating to the BDF, join the BDF consultation database.

To join either E-mail: bdf@bristol.gov.uk or phone 0117 903 6725 and give your details.

We wish to involve and consult people electronically, through our website and via E-mail. This allows us to quickly and cost effectively circulate information. However, hard copies of documents and update letters can be sent if you do not have a useable E-mail.