What are strategic plans, and how is aligning them beneficial to planning?

It is a requirement in the National Planning Policy Framework that local planning authorities and councils work together to address strategic matters that cross administrative boundaries (1).

The Local Government Association defines strategic planning as “policies that address larger than local issues that cannot be dealt with by one local planning authority working alone and that are addressed and delivered through a local plan” (2) For example, linking planning and public health to plan for a healthier food environment.

Users should note the government has proposed changes to strategic, devolution and local government re-organisation in the Devolution White Paper (3).

Strategic plans can be important when planning for healthier food environments, as demonstrated by the Strategic Plan for London, referred to as the London Plan.

Case study: the London Plan

The London Plan introduced ‘Policy E9: Retail, markets and hot food takeaways’ to address takeaway premises proximity to schools, over-concentration and quality standards in London (4).

The plan states:

• Development proposals containing A5 hot food takeaway uses (this use class order refers to establishments which sell hot food for consumption off the premises) should not be permitted where these are within 400 metres walking distance from the entrances and exits of an existing or proposed primary or secondary school. Boroughs that wish to set a locally determined boundary from schools must ensure this is sufficiently justified. Boroughs should also carefully manage the over-concentration of A5 hot food takeaway uses within town centres and other areas through the use of locally defined thresholds in Development Plans.
• Where development proposals involving A5 hot food takeaway uses are permitted, boroughs should encourage operators to comply with the Healthier Catering Commitment standards. Where justified, boroughs should ensure compliance with the Healthier Catering Commitment through use of a condition.

Local plans in London boroughs need to be in line with the London Plan. Both the local plan and the London Plan will guide decisions on planning applications by local authorities in London and the Mayor.

Note that A5 use class for hot food takeaways was removed in changes to the Use Class Order in 2020. The Use Class Order will be covered in 2.10.