The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was introduced in March 2012 and replaces all former government guidance. The NPPF provides guidance to local authorities and other agencies on planning policy and the operation of the planning system..
The National Planning Practice Guidance was released in draft by Government in August 2013 to support the NPPF and to make it more accessible. The draft guidance was formally adopted in March 2014.
We've also adopted supplementary planning documents (SPD) and endorsed supplementary guidance documents (SG). They provide additional guidance on local and national planning policies:
Our Integrated Transport Strategy gives us a framework for making decisions on transport issues around the borough. Specifically on addressing problems with our existing transport network and it's long term development.
Our Walking & Cycling Strategy brings together a number of actions and policies promoting walking and cycling in the borough, including building new infrastructure to support it.
Both strategies were adopted on 13 September 2016.
We'll continue to prepare additional studies which are a material consideration in the planning process.
They'll help to support future reviews of our local plan, other policy documents and may also be used when making decisions on planning applications.
London Road walking and cycling assessment (2019)
Maidstone walking and cycling assessment (2018)
Community Facilities in North Ward Feasibility Study (2017)
Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy: Action Plan (2017)
Affordable and Local Needs Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
Maidstone Borough Council has recently adopted its local plan (October 2017). As part of this process we have created an Affordable and Local Needs Housing Supplementary Planning Document (the SPD). The document provides further advice on how relevant housing policies in the adopted local plan are to be implemented.