The Local Development Framework has to be based on a thorough understanding of local needs, opportunities and limitations. In order to do this we need to collate and maintain as much relevant information as possible; this is known as an evidence base.
The maintenance of a ‘robust and credible evidence base’ is one of the key tests of soundness that all development plan documents will be tested against by an independent planning inspector at examination-in-public (external link). It is an ongoing piece of work which will be continually updated as new information becomes available.
In order to ensure we have a robust evidence base different types of information and data need to be considered. This includes:
Each type of evidence is assessed and analysed to inform the local development framework. In considering our evidence for our Core Strategy and Sustainability Appraisal, we have prepared a series of Topic Papers.
