These replace Unitary Development Plans and have the same status for decision making.  All Local Planning Authorities must prepare a Delivery Agreement (by July 2006 or within 6 months of receipt of the Inspector's Report) setting out the timetable for the preparation of the Plan and how the authority intends to consult the community and stakeholders (Community Involvement Scheme).  The Plans are expected to be prepared within 4 years.

The Plan is a single document, which must include the following elements:

• Introduction

• Strategy

• Area wide policies for all development and for development types

• Allocations of land and related sites

• Sepcific policies and proposals for key areas of change or protection

• Succinct reasoned justification for policies

• Proposals map on a geographical base

All Plans will be subject to a joint Sustainability/SEA appraisal.

Local Planning Authorities will have to prepare annual monitoring reports (AMR) that will highlight the need for revisions.  Partial revisions can take place when required but the whole plan is subject to a complete revision every 4 years.