Arun District Council Local Development Scheme 2025-2028

1. Introduction

1.1 In light of the significant recent changes to the NPPF, the Deputy Prime Minister has asked that all local planning authorities produce an updated Local Development Scheme (LDS) within 12 weeks of the publication of the NPPF on 12 December 2024 (i.e. by no later than 6 March 2025). They have advised that the updated LDS should include clear, realistic, and specific dates for consultation and submission of the local plan. The Arun District Council Local Development
Scheme (LDS) was last updated in September 2023 and was intended to cover the period up to 2025. The LDS is, therefore, in need of updating this year, in any case.

1.2 The updated Local Development Scheme 2025 to 2028 has been prepared in conformity with the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (The Act), as amended by section 111 of the Localism Act 2011. The local planning authority must resolve that the scheme is to have effect and specify the date from which it will do so. The LDS will be adopted and come into effect following a resolution of Full Council.

1.3 The Act (as amended by the Localism Act 2011) states that a Local Development Scheme must specify:

  • The local development documents which are to be development plan documents;
  • The subject matter and geographical area to which each development plan document relates;
  • Which development plan documents, if any, are to be prepared jointly with one or more other local planning authorities;
  • Any matter or area in respect of which the authority has agreed (or proposes to agree) to the constitution of a joint committee [with other local planning authorities]; and
  • The timetable for the preparation and revision of the development plan documents.

1.4 The LDS therefore, sets out details of the current Development Plan for Arun and introduces the scope and timeframe for preparing the emerging local Development Plan Documents (DPDs), which will ultimately form part of the Development Plan.

Recent Changes to the Planning System

1.5 The Local Plan must be prepared in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which was revised and published in December 2024 and the Government's Planning Practice Guidance (PPG). The NPPF must also be read alongside Planning Policy for Traveller Sites, which was updated at the same time as the NPPF Further signaled changes are set out in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (LURA) 2023, which will change the way Local Plans are developed and delivered. Local Plans submitted after December 2026 will need to be prepared under the new LURA process.

1.6 The Localism Act 2011 allows for communities to draw up Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDPs). Arun's Local Planning Authority Area is parished with 21 Parish/Town Councils. The Table below shows the current position in regard to made NDPs, those subject to review and those updated. Once NDPs are adopted ('made') by the Council, they will sit beside the Arun Local Plan and become part of the statutory Development Plan which guides decision making in the district.

1.7 The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Regulations came into force in 2010 and have been amended successively, the latest amendment being in September 2019. The approved Arun CIL Charging Schedule was implemented coming into effect on 1 April 2020.

2. Arun District Council’s development plan

2.1 All planning applications in Arun District Council must be considered against the Development Plan which within the Arun local planning authority area (i.e. outside of the South Downs National Park area - SDNP - that falls within part of Arun District) currently consists of the following adopted plans:

  • Arun Local Plan 2018;
  • West Sussex Joint Minerals Local Plan 2018 (i.e. prepared by West Sussex County Council and South Downs National Park Authorities);
  • West Sussex Waste Local Plan (2014);
  • South Inshore and South Offshore Marine Plan 2018
  • Made Neighbourhood Development Plans (see table below).
Parishes and status of NDP

 

'Made' NDP

Currently Preparing a

NDP

Currently reviewing or updating 'Made' NDP

Updated NDP 'Made'

Aldingbourne

Y

N

N

Y

Aldwick

N

N

N

N

Angmering

Y

N

Y

N

Arundel

Y

N

N

Y

Barnham & Eastergate

Y

N

N

Y

Bersted

Y

N

N

N

Bognor Regis

Y

N

N

N

Climping

Y

N

N

N

East Preston

Y

N

Y

N

Felpham

Y

N

N

Y

Ferring

Y

N

N

N

Ford

Y

N

Y

N

Kingston

Y

N

N

N

Littlehampton

Y

N

N

N

Middleton - On-Sea

N

Y

N

N

Pagham

N

Y

N

N

Rustington

Y

N

N

N

Walberton

Y

N

N

Y

Yapton

Y

N

Y

Y

Lyminster & Crossbush

Y

N

N

N

Poling

N

N

N

N

The emerging and made documents can be viewed at the following link: Neighbourhood planning

Arun Local Plan (2011-2031)

2.2 The Arun Local Plan was adopted by Full Council on 18 July 2018 (incorporating Main Modifications), and replaced the Local Plan 2003 (in its entirety within Arun local planning authority area) and all of the saved policies from the 2003 Plan. Decisions on planning applications need to accord with the Adopted Arun Local Plan 2018 unless other material circumstances indicate otherwise.

West Sussex Minerals Local Plan 2018

2.3 The West Sussex Joint Minerals Local Plan (JMLP), which was adopted in July 2018 and partially reviewed in March 2021, ensures the supply of minerals to at least 2033. It sets out the vision, objectives and strategy for mineral land-use planning in West Sussex and provides 10 strategic policies and 15 Development Management policies to provide a policy framework for determining mineral planning applications. It also sets out minerals safeguarding areas and facilities, and site allocations for minerals development. The JMLP replaces any saved policies and development management decisions must accord with the statutory development plan for West Sussex unless material circumstances indicate  otherwise. The JMLP can be found on the West Sussex County Council (WSCC) website:

www.westsussex.gov.uk/mwdf.

The West Sussex Waste Local Plan

2.4 The West Sussex Waste Local Plan (WLP) (2014) was adopted on 11 April 2014. It sets the vision, objective and strategy for waste planning in West Sussex until 2031. It includes Use-Specific Policies, Development Management Policies and Waste Site Allocation policies. The allocation policies aim to ensure there is sufficient capacity to meet identified shortfalls in transfer, recycling and recovery capacity across the county. The WLP includes two strategic sites within Arun District at Hobbs Barn, near Climping and Site north of Wastewater Treatment Works, Ford. These are included on the Arun Local Plan Policies Maps. In accordance with national policy, West Sussex Mineral Planning authority reviewed the WLP 2014 in 2019 and 2024 and concluded that the polices were fit for purpose and did not need updating.

Neighbourhood Development Plans

2.5 There are a number of Neighbourhood Development Plans within the Arun District that have been 'made'. These give communities the power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. They include the location of new homes, shops and offices. They influence what those new buildings should look like and inform what infrastructure should be provided.

3. Emerging plans

Arun Local Plan Update DPD

3.1 On 15 January 2020 Arun District Council resolved to update the Arun Local Plan following a review of housing policies and housing delivery performance (in 2019). In addition, the council declared a 'Climate Change Emergency' which included the need to develop a new planning framework to improve the level of sustainability and infrastructure and to revise the existing development management policies.

3.2 Consequently, preparation of a Non-Strategic Sites Allocations DPD (NSSA DPD) to support the existing ALP 2018 was abandoned to ensure that the resources and timetable for the Local Plan review are prioritized within the context of the Climate Change Emergency and key priorities of the council.

3.3 The ALP 2018 commitment to provide at least 1,250 dwellings for the period to 2031 will mean that contributions from Neighbourhood Development Plan reviews will be expected to deliver a proportion of the ALP 2018 dwelling requirement to 2031 as currently agreed with those Parish Neighborhood Development bodies.

3.4 The council does not have a 5-year housing land supply and has failed the Government's Housing Delivery Test every year since it was first published in 2018.Applications will be determined in accordance with presumption in favour of sustainable development (set out in paragraph 11d) of the National Planning Policy Framework 2024, until a 5-year housing land supply is re-established and or the Local Plan update or NDPs preparation and review, together, identify planned provision to meet requirements.

3.5 In October 2021 the council paused work on the Local Plan update because of signalled changes to national planning policy and the need to ensure that plan making was fit for purpose and cost effective. The pause was reconsidered but maintained June 2022. However, in July 2023 the council resolved to lift the pause to the Local Plan update on the basis that the impending changes are broadly understood and there was a need to progress plan making to address the significant housing economic and infrastructure needs of the area sustainably.

3.6 The Adopted Arun local plan 2018 is now over 5 years old. Public consultation on a Regulation 18 Direction of Travel (Issues & Options) document took place between March and May 2024 and the local planning authority is now considering next stages. Further details regarding the timetable for the preparation of this DPD is provided in Appendix 1 to this report.

4. Supporting documents

Supplementary Planning Documents

4.1 As well as programming work on the DPDs, the council may also choose to prepare SPDs. Adopted SPDs do not form part of the statutory development plan but following public consultation and, once adopted are a material consideration for development management decisions. Recently adopted SPDs include: -

  • Open space, Playing Pitches, Indoor and Built Sports Facilities SPD;
  • Arun Parking Standards (including eVehicles) SPD;
  • Arun Design Guide SPD (updated 2024).

Infrastructure Funding Statement

4.2 The Local Plan identifies what infrastructure is needed within the district over the lifetime of the Plan, when it will be provided and how much it will cost. This is set out within the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP). The IDP sets out infrastructure that is to be provided by s.106 contributions and via Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts.

4.3 The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations ('CIL Regulations') were introduced in April 2010 and have been amended. Arun implemented and approved an Arun CIL Charging Scheduled on 1st April 2020. However, it should be noted that the CIL charging schedule is not part of the development plan. Under the CIL Regulations (as amended) Arun will be required to prepare an Infrastructure List together with an Infrastructure Funding Statement to monitor CIL income and spend for the calendar year annually. Arun approved a 3-year CIL Infrastructure Investment Plan in September 2024.

Statement of Community Involvement

4.4 The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out the council's process for undertaking consultation on both planning policy documents and as part of the Development Control process.

4.5 The SCI was adopted in January 2024. Public consultations and engagement must be carried out in accordance with the provisions within the SCI.

5. Process and procedures

Resources

5.1 The Planning Policy and Conservation Team (7 FTE) are leading the production of the Local Plan and supporting DPDs, SPD and monitoring including of housing delivery. The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) officer FTE post is responsible for implementation and monitoring of CIL receipts and spend and is now fully funded through CIL receipts. Supporting the production of Neighbourhood Plans is presently grant funded by central government.

Monitoring and Review

5.2 The Localism Act 2011 removed the requirement for Local Planning Authorities to submit Annual Monitoring Reports to the Secretary of State. Instead, authorities are now required to prepare an Authority Monitoring Report and make this available to the public. This report monitors details such as the progress of the preparation and implementation of Local Development Documents including the Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Documents (all data to be included
within the authority's monitoring report is set out in Regulation 34 of the Town and Country Planning, (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. Arun District Council's most up to date monitoring report for the period 2023 to 2024 was agreed by the Planning Policy Committee in January 2025 and can also be accessed on the ADC Evidence and Monitoring website using the following link: Monitoring reports.

Reviewing the Local Development Scheme

5.3 This Local Development Scheme (LDS) and the associated draft timetable for plan preparation have been produced at the request of the Deputy Prime Minister who has asked that all local planning authorities produce an updated LDS by 6 March 2025. The dates suggested are based on a best estimate on information available at the time of writing.

5.4 The council may produce a revised Local Development Scheme during this period, if required, to reflect any changes in the documents to be prepared. This could be as a result of changes in the planning system, national  legislation/guidance, or resource constraints.

5.5 Specific issues that have the potential to impact on the Local Plan timetable as set out in this LDS include:

  • Requirement for Plans due to be submitted for examination after December 2026 to be prepared under the new Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. The LURA proposes substantial changes to the process for taking Local Plans forward and the form and content of such plans. The full implications of the reforms will not be known until more information (including secondary legislation) is published. The Government has indicated that there will be a consultation on future policy changes in Spring 2025 and a new plan-making system will be implemented later in 2025. This current uncertainty makes it difficult to produce a detailed and reliable timetable for the delivery of a new Local Plan
  • Further current uncertainty relates to the publication of National Development Management Policies (NDMPs), which the Minister for Housing announced would be published in 2025, but have yet to transpire. The NDMPs could have a significant impact on the scope and content of the Local Plan and the evidence base needed to support it. Local Authorities will, understandably, be reluctant to expend significant resource at this time in developing local policies
    on issues that might be replaced by these NDMPs and may wish to pause certain activities.
  • On 16th December 2024, the Government published the English Devolution White Paper. This announced the facilitation of a programme of local government reorganisation. This may have implications for how the new Local Plan is prepared. The government has specified that the updated LDS should include clear, realistic, and specific dates for consultation and submission of the local plan. However, it is important to note that, as further details on the planned reforms to plan-making are published by the Government and the potential outcomes of changes resulting from the English Devolution White Paper are known, this LDS will need be reviewed.

Appendix 1 - Development Plan Document Profiles

Arun Local Plan Review Development Plan Document

Geographical Area

All parts of Arun district excluding that part within the South Downs National Park Boundary

Subject to Independent Examination

Yes

Produced jointly with other authorities

No, although Parish and Town council's may wish to assist and update their NPs accordingly.

Timetable

  • Regulation 18(1) consultation Issues & Options - March to September 2024 (completed)
  • Initial evidence gathering period, plan visioning, strategy development, and drafting the plan - January 2025 to March 2026
  • Reg 18 (2) (or LURA equivalent) Draft DPD consultation (Policies & Allocations) - April to September 2026
  • Regulation 19 (or LURA equivalent) Publication consultation - April to September 2027
  • Reg 22 (or LURA equivalent) Submission to Secretary of State - January 2028
  • Examination - March 2028
  • Inspector's Report Received - April to June 2028
  • Adoption - Summer 2028

Resources

The document will require significant input from the Planning Policy Team and officers from other council Departments. Consideration is also being given to appointing a consultancy to lead on plan preparation.

Review

Once adopted, the policy and delivery strategy will be monitored though the Authority Monitoring Report.

Appendix 2 - Risk Assessment

Risk assessment

High to low 1-11

Risk

Impact

Actions

1

Unknown impacts arising from devolution and local government reorganisation and further significant changes to national planning policy. Guidance on LURA Local Plan process is delayed.

  • Causes slippage in programme.

  • Possible change in emphasis in document.

  •  Ensure that timetable is flexible to adapt and adopt new requirements and priorities.

  • Plan Local Plan preparation around processes external to Planning Policy Team.

  • Be prepared to review LDS timetable. 

2

Loss/recruitment difficulties - key staff.

Slippage in programme.

  • Recruit to vacant posts as quickly as possible or consider contracting support /  secondments.

3

Updates to evidence base studies and new reports undertaken by external specialists are delayed or take longer than anticipated.

  • Causes slippage in programme.

  • Sections of the Local Plan cannot be completed due to lack of evidence.

  • Ensure briefs for consultants are clear on inputs.

  • Hold regular project progress meetings.

  • Set clear deadlines for consultants.

4

Policy Team required to do other unforeseen work, including additional appeals/work on other corporate projects

  • Diverts team from LDF causing a slippage in programme.

  • Service Business Plan to make Local Plan corporate priority and other work minimized or stopped.

  • Consider additional resources/using staff from other services.

5

Lack of in-house skills for specialised areas of policy work/Sustainability Appraisals/background studies.

  • Slow progress causing a slippage in programme.

  • Quality compromised.

  • Evidence base is challenged or undermined

  • Take prompt action to fill vacancies.

  • Ensure financial resources available to commission work

  • Ensure working arrangements between teams are clear.

6

Volume of work greater than anticipated e.g. on submitted representations.

  • Causes slippage in programme.

  • Ensure timetable is realistic but has some flexibility built in.

  • Proactively monitor progress against LDS.

  • Consider additional resources.

  • Use a project management approach e.g., PID with Project sponsor and Board.