This is a key document, which includes policies for the future use of land and the protection of the environment in the city. It sets levels of future development and its distribution. In doing this, it influences the economic prosperity and social well being of the city. It is basically a written and illustrated statement of the local planning authority’s policies and main proposals for change on a large scale.
A structure plan takes into account all the issues affecting an area, including its buildings and spaces, land uses, activities, and transport. An essential aspect of the structure planning process is feedback from the community on how the area should evolve. An important phase of the structure planning process requires consultation with the community, local residents, traders, and the development industry to determine the best outcome for the centre. From the background research, analysis and consultation, the structure plan determines what is working well in an area and how this can be enhanced, as well as how the area can grow and change in the future. It provides clear strategies for how this can be achieved.
A few important components of the structure plan follow:
> Interpret national and regional policies.
> Establish aims, policies, and general proposals for the area for which the plan is prepared
> Provide a framework for local plans. The broad policies and proposals of the structure plan form a framework for the more detailed policies and proposals in local plans.
> Indicate action areas which are a priority for intensive action.
> Provide guidance for development control in those parts of the area covered or not yet covered by a local plan.
> Provide the basis for coordinating decisions between committees of the planning authority and district councils who deal with various components of development, and other public bodies likely to be concerned with important aspects of the plan.
> Bring main planning issues and decisions before decision making authority and the public.