Local leaders will have a stronger role in shaping the future development of our towns and cities under a new planning policy announced by Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint.

The new Planning Policy Statement 12 on local spatial plans means that local plans - which collectively map out the future development of the whole country - must now be more firmly based on a shared vision created with the involvement of public agencies, businesses, voluntary groups and local people.

By leading this process elected local councillors will be able to set out a shared vision ensuring their area's development meets the needs of local communities as well as national standards on sustainable development.

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Caroline Flint said: "Local plans are the building blocks that set out the future development of our country, so this new policy will ensure that they meet local needs - whether it's more jobs, affordable homes or green spaces to enjoy.

"These changes also give local leaders greater local legitimacy. They can be confident their visions for the future will succeed if they are based on local priorities and sustainable development.

"I want to see a greater sense of urgency about developing appropriate and effective local plans that set visions, shape outcomes and steer investment into each local area - these plans must be a major priority for any local leader."

Councils and their partners will agree these local priorities through close engagement including public meetings, resident's panels, consultations and online forums to produce a Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) and an LDF Core Strategy that will together set out a local vision for their area.

The Core Strategy will then map out how this will be achieved - how much development there should be, what it should look like, where it should go and what infrastructure it will need, for the next 15 years.

(CD/JM)