Local Policy and Legislation

Local Development Framework (LDF)

The LDF, together with the Regional Spatial Strategy, provides the essential framework for planning in each local authority area. The LDF is a folder of Local Development Documents (LDDs) for the implementation of the area's spatial strategy, and contains both statutory Development Plan Documents (such as the Core Strategy, Local Development Documents and Area Action Plans) and non-statutory documents (such as Supplementary Planning Documents/Guidance). The aim of these documents is to provide a clear planning framework that enables the efficient delivery of new development, especially housing.  LDFs themselves, and their level of emphasis on sustainable energy, vary from one local authority to another.

Merton Rule

When it was adopted it in 2003 by the London Borough of Merton, the 'Merton Rule' was a groundbreaking planning policy. It required the use of renewable energy onsite to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions in the built environment - typically by 10 per cent and typically for buildings of over 1000 m². The rule has since been adopted by many other local authorities and also by the Mayor of London, who has increased the reduction to 20 per cent. It is expected that eventually all local authorities will have such policies.