Each planning application will be assessed against the relevant policies in the adopted Local Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

A material consideration is an issue that is taken into account when determining planning applications in addition to policies contained in the Local Plan. Issues such as National Planning Guidance, Regional Spatial Strategy, the design of the proposal and its effect of a proposal on highway safety or neighbours are all material considerations.

Policies within the adopted Local Plan will be saved up to 2007, therefore planning applications will continue to be assessed against adopted policy until that time. Adopted Local Plan policies will be replaced as LDF documents are produced. Therefore in the future proposals for development will be assessed against emerging LDF policies, saved Local Plan policies and other material considerations.