Current progress

The Lancaster District Local Plan (the Strategic Policies & Land Allocations DPD and reviewed Development Management DPD) were adopted by the Council on the 29^th July 2020. Upon adoption these documents superseded the previous Local Plan which was formed of the residual elements of the 2004 Lancaster District Local Plan, 2008 Lancaster District Core Strategy and 2014 Development Management DPD, these three documents have now been formally withdrawn.

There are a number of other documents which have already been adopted by Council and supplement the Strategic Policies & Land Allocations DPD and reviewed Development Management DPD. These include the Arnside & Silverdale AONB DPD, Morecambe Area Action Plan DPD and the neighbourhood plans for Wennington and Wray-with-Botton.  More details are found below:

The Policies Map comprises all of the site allocations and designations set out in adopted development plan documents. As new Local Plan documents are adopted their policies will be added to the Policies Map whilst policies that are superseded or have been implemented will be deleted.  Very limited runs of printed editions will be created largely for the purpose only to support consultation during Local Plan preparation.   

Following the adoption of the Local Plan 29 July 2020, the council has updated the Policies Map which replaces the 2014 version:

• Policies Map_District Wide
  • Policies Map_Insert 1_Main Urban Areas
  • Policies Map_Insert 2, 3, 4 & 5 (Lancaster City Centre, Carnforth, Morecambe Town Centre and Junction 33)
  • Policies Map_Rural Villages
  • Policies Map_Sustainable Settlements
• View the Interactive Map

The Policies Maps bring together the allocations made within the Strategic Policies & Land Allocations DPD and the Central Morecambe Area Action Plan DPD. Any proposals within neighbourhood plan areas should refer directly to the Policies Maps associated with that document. More details on the Strategic Policies & Land Allocations Development Plan Document can be found  here

Following the adoption of the the Arnside and Silverdale AONB Development Plan Document, 28 March 2019, the council has added a layer to the Policies Map:

• AONB Policies map  
  • Inset map book 
• View the Interactive Map here... 

More details on the Arnside and Silverdale AONB Development Plan Document can be found here

Below the Council have answered a series of frequently asked questions in relation to the Local Plan, in terms of both how it has been prepared and what will happen next.  If you have any queries about the below then please do not hesitate to contact the Planning and Housing Policy Team on 01524 582383 or planningpolicy@lancaster.gov.uk.

What is a Local Plan?

There is a statutory responsible on every local planning authority (i.e. Lancaster City Council) to prepare a Local Plan which will guide development over a 15 to 20 year period. The aim of the local plan is to ensure that future development needs can be met, providing certainty to both local communities and other key stakeholders. The Plan is not merely about providing certainty over development, many of the designations made within it seek to protect important areas from harm, for example sites which have environmental, economic and social value.

Without a Local Plan development could occur anywhere, there would be no management of land-use, the quality of development would not be managed and the implications of development would never be considered.

What does the Local Plan include?

The Local Plan can be one single document or can be made up of a range of different documents which tackle different issues. In the case of Lancaster, the City Council has prepared a suite of documents that forms the Local Plan for Lancaster District.

The Council have previously adopted area-specific plans for both Central Morecambe (2014) and the Arnside & Silverdale AONB (2019). The  Local Plan for Lancaster is comprised of the Strategic Policies & Land Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) and a reviewed Development Management DPD, and was formally adopted on 29^th July 2020.

What are the implications of not having a Local Plan in place?

Having a Local Plan in place enables the authority to plan development in a proactive manner, ensuring that the needs of current and future generations are met in a sustainable and appropriate way. This includes making sure that the development proposed meets the needs of the district and that critical elements of new development, such as new infrastructure come forward in the right place and at the right time.

This approach is much better than the reactionary one which is taken to planning applications which would have to be determined in the absence of a robust and up-to-date Local Plan. In such a case any development would be assessed against national planning requirement which do not allow for consideration of local characteristics and issues. The consequences could be that development needs are not properly met or that needs are met in a unsustainable manner via inappropriate development.

What is the Strategic Policies & Land Allocations DPD?

The Strategic Policies & Land Allocations DPD is the basis of the whole Local Plan; it sets out a series of strategic policies that will form basis for plan making, land allocation and decision making over the coming years. It also sets targets and requirements for development and allocations land to meet those development needs. It also identifies land which is worthy of protection for its environmental, economic or social value.

What is the Development Management DPD?

The Development Management DPD sets out generic planning policies for a range of planning topic areas. The policies contained in this DPD are applicable to all types of development all across the district (unless area specific DPDs such as the Central Morecambe or Arnside & Silverdale AONB dictate otherwise). The DPD is used by Council Officers and Members to determine planning applications.

What is a Sustainability Appraisal?

A 'Sustainability Appraisal' is undertaken for every Development Plan Document. Sustainability Appraisals help to ensure that the social, economic and environmental effects of policies and plans are understood and fully taken into consideration.  A Sustainability Appraisal report will company each published stage of a Development Plan Document, including the final Submission version, so that people can view and comment on the findings of the Sustainability Appraisal. An 'Appropriate Assessment' establishes whether proposals within the plan are likely to have significant effects on any sites of international biodiversity importance.  Firstly, a screening process is carried out under the Habitats Regulations. The screening will identify whether it is considered likely that there will be any significant effects.  When the screening cannot say with certainty that there will be no significant effects, an Appropriate Assessment will look at the likely effects and how they can be avoided. If they cannot be avoided, the plan or policy that would cause the harmful effects will not be allowed to come into force, unless there are exceptional circumstances. These assessments will accompany the relevant plan at the consultation and publication stages.

What is Duty to Co-operate?

The introduction of the Localism Act in 2011 placed the responsibility of ‘duty to co-operate’ on local authorities. Where planning issues cross administrative boundaries they must jointly address areas of common interest. Lancaster City Council is continuing to work closely with neighbouring authorities, Lancashire County Council and other bodies, such as utility providers, to help prepare a draft Local Plan which ensures that any local or cross-boundary impacts have been fully considered.

As far as possible the draft Local Plan reflects a collective vision and a set of agreed priorities for the sustainable development of the area, including those contained in any plans that have been made in neighbouring authorities. Prior to the submission of a local development plan to the secretary of state, the council will prepare a duty to co-operate statement of compliance which will set out how the authority has discussed cross-boundary matters with their neighbours.

How has the Local Plan been prepared?

Local Plan documents undergo significant scrutiny and examination before they are ready to be adopted for planning purposes. Work on the Strategic Policies & Land Allocation DPD and the reviewed Development Management DPD began in 2014 and have involved a number of public consultations and a public examination. The content of the DPDs (i.e. policies and allocations) must be supported by evidence that can justify their inclusion within the Plan.

What does ‘Adoption’ Mean?

The final stage of the preparation process is for the Council to adopt the Local Plan for planning purposes. This involves a decision at Full Council which all Members can take part in. The Local Plan (and the decision over adoption) was debated on 29 July 2020 where it was resolved to adopt the Local Plan for planning purposes. The Council formally adopted the Plan on 29 July.

Following the decision to adopt the plan, there is an 8 week period where people who feel aggrieved by the Council’s decision to adopt the plan to appeal to the High Court. More details on this process can be found on the Council’s Adoption process.

How long will the Local Plan last for?

A Local Plan should typically last for a period of between 15 - 20 years and in allocating land to development, it should seek to ensure that sufficient land is identified to meet the needs of such a period.

Is the Council reviewing the Local Plan?

Yes

We have published the new digital hub for the full review of the Local Plan. The language in the hub is intended to be accessible to all audiences - it avoids jargon and acronyms.  We ask for feedback on every page. If something is not being made clear then we can easily change the text to explain it better. The hub will evolve as the new plan is prepared.  What we are doing here is really trying to change the engagement concept from a paper-based approach of publishing a document and waiting for responses in a set time-period, to an on-going and interactive activity.  Please take a look - it has gone live.

How do I read the Local Plan?

The Local Plan is available to read on the Council’s website along with all the supporting documentation and evidence base. Hard copies of the Local Plan can be made available on request at the Planning Offices by contacting us on 01524 582383 or at planningpolicy@lancaster.gov.uk.

Where do I go if I have any further questions?

For further information and advice on the adopted Local Plan or the Local Plan review and the wider planning processes, please contact 

• By email at planningpolicy@lancaster.gov.uk
• By telephone on 01524 582383
• By post to: Planning and Housing Policy Team, Lancaster City Council, Lancaster Town Hall, PO Box 4, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1QR.

An evidence base is made up of an number of reports and studies in the development of a Local Plan. We continue to update the evidence.

The decision to undertake a Full Review of the Plan made by Cabinet 12 September, Council approved the digital Local Development Scheme (27 September 2023) for publication along with a process of delegation for minor updates.

Supplementary Planning Documents (click here to view)

The Council has prepared a suite of Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) to support and further explain the council’s aims for some of the planning policies in the adopted Local Plan. SPDs do not create new policy but do provide detail on policy interpretation which can help potential applicants preparing to submit planning proposals.  SPDs are prepared in accordance with national regulations. The regulations require the council to involve people in shaping SPDs including through public consultation. The weight given to an SPD in making planning decisions. More details below

Canal Quarter Supplementary Planning Document

The document presents a vision for the area, supported by a set of design and development principles, to guide future investment over the next 15-20 years. 

Employment and Skills SPD

This document supplements policy guidance provided in the Development Management DPD in relation to the application of Employment and Skills Plans within major new development. The purpose of Employment and Skills Plans is to encourage and support greater opportunities for training and upskilling of local people within the construction phases of new development.

Meeting Housing Need SPD

This document does not propose new policies, it explains how the policies in the Local Plan will be interpreted and provides guidance on the detail and criteria within policies. Not all policies are addressed in this SPD, as some aspects are self-explanatory and need no further guidance. The SPD must be read in conjunction with the specific housing policies and the relevant policies within the Local Plan as a whole. The SPD provides general guidance but is no substitute for site specific advice which can be obtained through the Councils pre-application advice procedure

Viability Protocol SPD

Policies in the Lancaster Local Plan require the provision of affordable housing and contributions to support infrastructure such as schools and open or recreational spaces. In some cases, developers seek to reduce the provision of affordable housing and contributions because they mean that development is not viable. The SPD sets out overarching principles for how the council will approach development viability, it provides guidance on the details that we will expect to be included in viability assessments and the councils approach to considering viability matters. 

Residential Conversions and Houses in Multiple Occupation SPD

This document provides guidance about how policy DM13 of the Development Management Development Plan Documents will be implemented and standards for the houses in multiple occupation

Shopfront and Advertisements SPD

This document supplements policy guidance provided in the Development Management DPD in relation to shopfronts and advertisements. The purpose of the SPD is to provide design guidance on the installation of new shopfronts and advertisements within the district particularly in sensitive locations (for example within conservation areas).

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)

The digital Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out how and when we will engage with the community and other key stakeholders when we prepare and revise Local Plan documents. It also explains how the community will be consulted on planning applications. This SCI provides a summary of how the council will provide pre-planning application advice. We publish all our planning policy consultations.

Detailed pre-application advice, in terms of the principles, process, service and the cost, can be found on our planning advice pages. The council’s pre-application advice service is subject to its own approval process. Keeping detailed pre-application advice separate from this SCI, allows the advice to be more readily updated.

Planning Advisory Notes & Practice Notes (click here to view)

The Council has prepared a suite of Planning Advisory Notes (PANs) which provide guidance on a range of planning topics. PANs provide guidance on procedure or design advice rather than policy interpretation, which is the role of Supplementary Planning Documents. PANs provide advice to potential applicants about the type of information needed to support planning applications, or provide explanation of the Council’s approach to assessing issues. PANs are not prepared in accordance with national legislation and are generally not subject to public consultation. They are not formal parts of the council’s Local Plan. They do not have “planning weight” in decision making. Applicants are advised to use the helpful guidance in PANs to help shape and inform their proposals but the PANs are not used to make decisions on planning applications.  More details below

PAN 01 - Waste Storage and Collection Guidance for Domestic and Commercial Developments Planning Advice Note

The direction of this advisory note is based on the policies contained within the review of the Development Management DPD, adopted 29 July 2020, (Policy DM29)  It will be a material consideration that developers should be conscious of that that will be generated from their development proposal and this note provides advice, guidance and information on how these issues can be appropriately addressed and management in both domestic and commercial development.

PAN02 - Encouraging the Growing of Food Within New Development Planning Advice Note

This note provides information and guidance on how new residential development can maximise the opportunities for the growing of food, making use of not just the areas around the property but through innovative design.

PAN03 - Surface Water Drainage and Flood Risk Management and Watercourses Planning Advice Note

This note provides information and guidance on the local application of both the sequential and exception tests in relation to flood risk and supplements national planning policy set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

PAN04 - Open Space Provision in New Residential Development Planning Advisory Note

This PAN provides information and guidance on the expectations for open space from new residential development, this includes the provision of calculations for on-site areas of open space and off-site financial contributions. The PAN acts as an update to Appendix D of the Development Management Development Plan Document (DPD), to take account of the latest open space evidence base underpinning the emerging Local Plan for the Lancaster District.

PAN05 - Provision of Electric Charging Points for Vehicles in New Development Planning Advice Note

This note provides information and guidance to potential applicants and developers for the provision of electric charging points in domestic and commercial development. (Note: this guidance will be updated through the preparation of a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), more details to follow.

PAN07 - Self-build and Custom-build Housing Planning Advice Note

This advisory note has been updated to reflect the changes to policies following the adoption of the Local Plan, which includes the SPLADPD and the DMDPD. It provides detail and further clarification on the self-build and custom housebuilding process, how the Council will support the delivery of plots and sources of further information and advice.

PAN08 - Cycling and Walking Planning Advice Note

The Cycling and Walking Planning Advice Note supports and provides guidance on policy T2 of the Strategic Policies & Land Allocation Development Plan Document and sets out how future development at strategic sites should support and develop the existing network. The approach taken in identifying routes follows that advocated by the National Planning Policy Framework. The Planning Advice Note has been subject to public and stakeholder consultation.

PAN09 - Energy Efficiency in New Development Planning Advice Note 

Lancaster City Council declared a climate change emergency in January 2019 and set a target date of 2030 to make the Council’s activities net-zero carbon. The Council intends to lead by example in seeking to reduce carbon emissions in the District. The Council’s activities only contribute approximately 0.4% of the districts carbon emissions. It is therefore important that developers, residents and businesses also play their part.  This note provides guidance on how measures to reduce carbon emissions can be incorporated into new and existing homes and businesses. It also provides guidance on completing the Energy Statement required to be submitted with major development and how smaller developments can show how they aim to contribute to reducing carbon emissions.

PAN10 - Housing Standards Planning Advice Note

The Council has adopted the Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS) and the optional Building Regulation Requirement M4(2): Category 2 - Accessible and Adaptable Dwellings, through policy DM2 of the Development Management Development Plan Document (DMDPD). It is therefore important developers, agents and applicants ensure new dwellings are designed to meet the standard prior to submission of an application. The Council has produced a Housing Standards Planning Advice Note which sets out how the standards will be applied.

PAN11 - Low Emissions and Air Quality Planning Advice Note

This note provides information and guidance on how new development is expected to mitigate impacts to air quality in designated Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). Its sets out guidance on the range of mitigation measures available. (Note: this guidance will be updated through the preparation of a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) during the course of 2020)

PAN12 - Householder Design Guide Planning Advice Note

This note provides general information and guidance on the design of new residential development and can be applicable to all scales of development proposed, from small extensions to new build properties.

PAN13 - Good Lighting Planning Advice Note

The Good Lighting Planning Advice Note provides guidance to applicants proposing development within the Arnside and Silverdale AONB on issues and considerations relating to light pollution. The document, prepared as a Technical Advice Note, was developed by Dark Source Lighting Design Studio and Friends of the Lake District and is intended to support well designed proposals that minimise the effect of light on the night sky in Cumbria and within the whole of the Arnside and Silverdale AONB. Its inclusion of the AONB reflects the approach taken in the Arnside and Silverdale AONB Development Plan Document (DPD) which was jointly prepared and adopted by Lancaster City Council and South Lakeland District Council in 2019. The purpose of the DPD is to ensure consistency in the decision making process across the two authorities. Lancaster City Council has published the Technical Advice Note as a Planning Advice Note. Applicants are strongly encouraged to take account of the advice when designing proposals that might illuminate the external environment.

PAN14 - Traditional Sash Windows Planning Advice Note

The Traditional Sash Windows Planning Advice Note explains when consent is required for window replacement and what styles of windows may be appropriate to conservation areas and listed buildings.

Biodiversity Net Gain Advice 

The Biodiversity Net Gain Advice explains what you need to know about BNG to help you complete a planning application.

PN01 - Affordable Housing Practice Note

The adopted Meeting Housing Need Supplementary Planning Document (9 Febraury 2022) supersedes the PN01 - Affordable Housing Practice Note and has now been removed from this page.

PN02 - Preparation of Comprehensive Masterplans for Strategic Residential Sites Procedural Practice Note

This Procedural Practice Note (PPN) provides guidance on the preparation of comprehensive masterplans for strategic residential-led development sites as identified in the Strategic Policies and Land Allocations DPD and for a number of smaller sites.

PN03 – Arnside and Silverdale AONB Small Housing Sites

The purpose of this Practice Note is to provide guidance and clarification to landowners and developers on the Council’s planning policy position in relation to small housing proposals within the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Brownfield land registers provide information on sites that local authorities consider appropriate for residential development. They were introduced by the Housing and Planning Act 2016 and the Town and Country Planning (Brownfield Land Register) Regulations 2017. Registers are in two parts. Part 1 comprises of all brownfield sites appropriate for residential development. Part 2 includes sites which have been granted permission in principle. The Council has not included any sites on Part 2 at present, but is considering options. If it is decided to proceed with granting permission in principle, consultation will be carried out before a site is entered into Part 2 of the register.

With regard to the delivery of new housing at both the East and North Lancaster Strategic Sites, the Local Plan places a requirement on the developers / landowners to produce a concept masterplan which sets out how development in this area could come forward over the coming years. Whilst the concept masterplan does not in itself have any planning status it has been prepared in the context of the wider Local Plan policy requirements for the site and has been subject to engagement with stakeholders and provides an important starting point in terms of understanding how development could be achieved in these areas. 

• North Lancaster Strategic Site Concept Masterplan 
• East Lancaster Strategic Site Concept Masterplan – to be prepared.

Lancaster City Council has been intending to prepare a Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations Development Plan Document  (DPD) to identify land to accommodate Gypsy and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople in the District. We have been running a call for sites for several years now but have received few sites for consideration. Whilst, we are not in a position to proceed with a DPD at present, the call for sites will remain open and we will continue to explore any submitted sites plus other sites which arise through our own research.

The ongoing ‘call for sites’ process provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations to suggest any sites that they consider might be suitable for allocation as a Gypsy and Traveller or Travelling Showperson site. Proposals could be for either new sites or an expansion or intensification of an existing site. Proposals are invited for permanent residential sites or transit sites / temporary stopping places.

Lancaster district has over 1,300 listed buildings, 38 conservation areas and 38 scheduled monuments. Lancaster City Council has a responsibility for the identification, protection and enhancement of these assets. View the Conservation webpages for more details.

We value our district wide tree cover and recognise the immense potential for human and environmental benefits associated with a healthy and sustainable tree population.  View the Tree webpages for more details.

Our Homes Strategy sets out how we can support those in housing need over the next five years.  View the Housing Strategy webpages.

Lancaster City Council recognises the need for affordable housing in the district and it is therefore a key council priority. The provision of more affordable homes can help to increase the range of housing options, help to meet increasing demand as a result of recent welfare scheme changes and help the council to meet its required housing responsibilities.

Policies DM3 and DM6 of the Lancaster District Local Plan and Policy AS03 of the Arnside and Silverdale AONB DPD set out the requirements for the delivery of affordable homes within housing schemes. Policy DM3 refers to two categories of affordable homes, intermediate housing and social/affordable rented housing. The policy requires up to 50% of affordable homes to be delivered as intermediate housing and a minimum of 50% as either affordable or social rented housing. The Government has introduced a new form of intermediate housing – ‘First Homes’ and expects at least 25% of affordable homes delivered on developer led site to be delivered as this tenure.

The tenure split required will therefore be:

• 25% intermediate tenure, preferably shared ownership;
• 25% first homes;
• 50% affordable rent or social rent.

Click here for more details on Developing Afordable Housing

Planning Policy

Policy DM13 of the adopted Lancaster Local Plan Development Management DPD, seeks to restrict the concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to a maximum of 10% in any 100m radius. The policy will manage the concentration of all new HMOs, including new build HMOs, the conversion of non-residential properties to HMOs and the change of use of dwellings (Class C3) to HMOs.  To help applicants and agent understand how the policy will be implemented Lancaster City Council has adopted a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This document explains how the policy will be implemented, the calculation used to determine the number of HMOs and includes standards for new HMOs 

HMO Density Map by Post Code

The Council has produced a data base of HMOs using Student Council Tax Exemptions and Licensing information which will be used to calculate the density of HMOs. As much of the data is derived from Council Tax data, for data protection reasons, individual HMOs will not be identified on the website. To help agents and applicants assess the density in an area, a map showing the density by post code is available. While this will not show the density for a particular 100m radius it will provide a guide to the density in particular areas.  The HMO Density Map by Postcode can viewed here.  If you intend to submit a planning application and wish to know the percentage of HMOs in the 100m radius around a specific property, please use the Pre-Application Service here. 

Licensing

A licence is required for HMOs where both of the following apply:

• At least five tenants live there, forming more than one household
• Toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities are shared with other tenant

Further information can be found here.  A licence is a separate regime to planning permission. Both planning permission and a licence is required for properties which meet the above criteria. Planning permission is required for HMOs with 3 or more tenants.

Article 4 to Control Small HMOs

The Article 4 Direction came into force on 10^th November 2021. Planning permission is now required to change the use of a dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a small HMO (Class C4) (3-6 occupants). Larger HMOs and the conversion of other buildings to HMOs already require planning permission.  More details here.  

If you would like advice on whether you are likely to receive planning permission please use our pre-application service. Further information can be found here.

Control of ‘To Let’ Signs

The Secretary of State has approved Lancaster City Councils proposal for a Regulation 7: Direction Restricting Deemed Consent to control the display of ‘To Let’ Signs in Lancaster. The controls will come into force on 1 September 2021. This means that from 1 September 2021, ‘To Let’ signs cannot be displayed on residential properties in the wards of Bulk, Castle, John O’Gaunt, Marsh, Scotforth East and Scotforth West. More details here..

Self-build or custom-build is simply the process of designing, planning and building your own home. There are several routes to building your own home and the level of involvement you have can vary greatly depending which way you choose. Some people wish to manage the design and construction process and do the building and labouring work themselves while others commission a contractor to do it for them.  Projects range from individual homes on single plots to group projects on larger sites. 

View more about Community Rights to Bid, Challenge and Build here...

We have a Statutory Duty with regards to biodiversity and is required under the Environment Act 2021 to publish a Biodiversity Report, setting out what it has done and plans to do to conserve and enhance biodiversity across the District and how that will be monitored. The First Consideration Report (approved 4 June 2024) sets out our current position and steps we intend to take to fulfil this duty.

More details here...

Email: planningpolicy@lancaster.gov.uk

Phone: 01524 582383