SP 1	Presumption in favour of sustainable development
Core Strategy Policy No relevant policy	Replacement Local Plan Policies No relevant policy
Policy Intentions: Ensure consistency with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Set the framework for working with the development industry to deliver sustainable development and growth. Emphasise the importance of the plan led system and to be clear how applications will be dealt with which fall outside the Development Plan Framework.
Background The NPPF states that Local Plans should be based upon and reflect the presumption in favour of sustainable development, with clear policies that will guide how the presumption should be applied locally. The Planning Inspectorate subsequently set out a model policy which they felt would, if incorporated into a draft Local Plan submitted for examination, be an appropriate way of meeting this expectation. Policy DM1 utilises the wording of this Policy.

 

Policy SP 1: Presumption in favour of sustainable development

When considering development proposals the council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area.

Planning applications that accord with the policies in the North Somerset Core Strategy and this Sites and Policies Plan (DPD) (and, where relevant, with polices in Neighbourhood Development Plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise taking into account whether:

• any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or
• specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.