An LDF is a folder of documents that outlines how planning will be managed. It must include a core strategy, site specific allocations of land, a proposals map and may also contain additional optional development documents like area action plans or development briefs.

Councils must produce a Local Development Scheme (LDS), which is reviewed annually. The LDS is a work programme giving a timetable for the preparation of planning policy documents and public consultation. The most recent LDS was taken to the Policy Scrutiny Committee in March 2011.

The Coalition Government has announced there will be changes to this process, and are proposing a New Planning System.

• Core Strategy

  The Core Strategy is one of the most important documents in the Local Development Framework. It sets out the general spatial vision and objectives for the LDF. All other Local Development Plan Documents have to conform to the Core Strategy.

• Barton Farm development brief

  Planning guidelines for the future development of Barton Farm, Sherborne, have been prepared and adopted by the district council. They have the status of supplementary planning document. This means they will be important in deciding planning applications for this area.

• Statement of community involvement

  Under the planning system introduced in 2004 the council is required to prepare a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) as part of its Local Development Framework (LDF).

• Poundbury Development Brief

  The Poundbury Development Brief was adopted on 19 December 2006. It has the status of supplementary planning document (SPD), and will be used when decisions are taken on planning applications as part of the local development framework.

• Design and sustainable development guidelines

  Planning guidelines for design and sustainable development in West Dorset have now been adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document and will be an important consideration in deciding planning applications as part of the Local Development Framework.

• Annual Monitoring Report 2010-2011

  Local planning authorities must make an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) to the Secretary of State giving information on the preparation of planning policy documents. They also have to report on how far policies set out in the local development documents are being achieved.

• Planning obligations guidelines

  New guidance on how and when planning obligations will be required for development in West Dorset has now been adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document. This guidance will be an important consideration in deciding planning applications as part of the Local Development Framework.

• Informal advice on possible development sites (concept statements)

  When sites in West Dorset become available for possible development, the district council prepares concept statements to give developers and the general public a basic idea of the likely limitations on future planning permissions for the site.

• Sustainability appraisal

  A quick guide to sustainability appraisal and strategic environmental assessment

• Evidence base (research information)

  Under the planning system introduced in 2004 the Local Development Framework must be based on researched information. West Dorset District Council's Planning Policy Team carries out a wide range of research for policy development.