The planning policy framework for the borough sets out policies to guide the sustainable social, economic and physical development of the whole borough. Together these policies form the development plan. We are required to consider the development plan when deciding applications for planning permission.
Our development plan includes policies in our Unitary Development Plan (UDP); Employment Development Plan Document; Brentford Area Action Plan and London Plan.
The UDP, Employment Development Plan and Brentford Area Action Plan along with supplementary planning documents, our Local Plan evidence base, and other guidance are available to download from these pages.
Local Plan
The Local Plan (previously known as the Local Development Framework) is the plan for the future development of the borough, drawn up by the council as the local planning authority, in consultation with the local community. In law, this is described as development plan documents under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The Brentford Area Action Plan, the Employment Development Plan Document, and the UDP, currently form the borough’s Local Plan. The policies in each of these documents will soon be replaced by a new revised Local Plan which is currently being prepared.
National Planning Policy Framework
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) came into force on 27 March 2012 and has replaced most national policies and guidance formerly contained in Planning Policy Statements and Planning Policy Guidance notes and some other documents (please see Annex 3 of the NPPF for a comprehensive list).
The policies contained within the NPPF are material considerations which must be taken into account in the preparation of local and neighbourhood plans, and in planning decisions.
Our existing Local Plan documents will need to be revised to take into account the policies in the NPPF. This will be progressed as quickly as possible, through the preparation of a new Local Plan (previously Local Development Framework). However, for the purposes of decision-taking, the policies in Employment Development Plan Document, the Brentford Area Action Plan, the UDP; and the London Plan should not be considered out-of-date simply because they were adopted prior to the publication of this framework.
Until 27 March 2013, we (and any other decision-takers such as the Planning Inspectorate) may continue to give full weight to relevant policies in the Brentford Area Action Plan, the Employment Development Plan Document and the London Plan even if there is a limited degree of conflict with the NPPF.
For the UDP, due weight should be given to relevant policies according to their degree of consistency with the NPPF (the closer the policies in the plan to the policies in the NPPF, the greater the weight that may be given).
London Plan
The London Plan sets out strategic policies for the future development of London. It is prepared by the Mayor of London who has responsibility for strategic planning in London and forms part of the development plan. The borough’s Local Plan documents must also be in general conformity with the policies in the London Plan.
Contact us
Email: ldf@hounslow.gov.uk
Tel: 020 8583 2000
Borough Planning
London Borough of Hounslow
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN