1.1 The government requires local planning authorities to prepare a Local Development Scheme (LDS). The purpose of an LDS includes setting out the timetable for the delivery of Council produced planning policy documents. These are often referred to as Development Plan Documents or Local Plans.

1.2 In addition to the Local Plan Review, the Council intends to produce two further Development Plan Documents (DPDs). These are the Gypsy and Traveller DPD and the Design and Sustainability DPD. Both DPDs will affect the whole of Maidstone Borough. This LDS covers the period 2022-2024 and contains a timetable for the delivery of each DPD to inform local people and stakeholders of the key milestones of production.

1.3 This LDS replaces the Local Development Scheme 2021-2024 which was approved by Full Council on 8th December 2021.

1.4 The Local Development Scheme 2022-2024 was approved by Council on 28^th September and came into effect on the same day.

The Development Plan

1.5 Development Plans are an important part of the English planning system and are needed to guide the local decision-making process for land uses and development proposals. As of 28^th September, the Development Plan for Maidstone borough comprises:

� Maidstone Borough Local Plan 2011-2031 and associated Proposals Map (October 2017)

� Staplehurst Neighbourhood Development Plan 2016-2031 (August 2020)

� North Loose Neighbourhood Development Plan 2015-2031 (April 2016)

� Loose Neighbourhood Development Plan 2018-2031 (September 2019)

� Marden Neighbourhood Development Plan 2017-2031 (July 2020)

� Lenham Neighbourhood Plan 2017 � 2031 (July 2021)

� Boughton Monchelsea Neighbourhood Plan (July 2021)

� Otham Neighbourhood Plan 2020 � 2035 (September 2021)

� Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2013-2030 (September 2020)

1.6 Further information regarding each of these documents is provided below.

1.7 The Maidstone Borough Local Plan sets out the framework for development within the Borough until 2031. It includes a spatial vision, objectives and key policies. It also includes an associated

�Policies Map� that sets out the geographical extent of key designations and site specific proposals set out in the local plan. Maidstone has an on-line policies map that can be accessed through its website. The Maidstone Borough Local Plan plays a key part in delivering Maidstone Council's Strategic Plan. The Maidstone Borough Local Plan was found sound following independent examination and was adopted by Full Council on 25 October 2017. The Maidstone Borough Local Plan contains Policy LPR1 �Review of the Local Plan�. This requires a review of the local plan to ensure that the plan continues to be up to date. Policy LPR1 outlines matters which may be

addressed by the review. Key considerations are the need to maintain and enhance the natural and built environment; and improve air quality.

1.8 Neighbourhood Development Plans are prepared by Parish Councils or Neighbourhood Forums, and the plans are subject to consultation, independent examination and referendum. The plans must be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the adopted local plan and should have regard to any emerging Local Plan. A neighbourhood area has to be designated for a Neighbourhood Development Plan to be produced. In total, 15 Parish Councils and 1 Neighbourhood Forum have designated Neighbourhood Areas. To date, seven Neighbourhood Development Plans have been made and a number of Neighbourhood Development Plans are at various stages of preparation.

1.9 The Kent Mineral Sites Plan and the Early Partial Review of the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan and was produced by Kent County Council and covers the whole county. Both plans were adopted in September 2020 and describes:

� 'The overarching strategy and planning policies for mineral extraction, importation and recycling, and the waste management for all waste streams that are generated or managed in Kent, and

� The spatial implications of economic, social and environmental change in relation to strategic minerals and waste planning.'

Planning Documents

1.10 In addition to the above components of the Development Plan, there are other key planning documents that the Council produces. These include:

� Supplementary Planning Documents � these set out further information, interpretation or clarification regarding existing planning policies and are produced and adopted by the Council in accordance with government legislative requirements

� Planning policy guidance documents � these set out further information, interpretation or clarification regarding existing planning policies but have not been produced to meet government Supplementary Planning Document requirements

� Statement of Community Involvement � a procedural document that sets out the methods for consultation and engagement with the public and stakeholders. This includes consultation and engagement during the production of Local Plans, the production of Neighbourhood Development Plans, and the Development Management process.

� Authority Monitoring Reports � a procedural document, produced on an annual basis that

monitors the performance of Maidstone�s Local Plan and its policies.

Maidstone Community Infrastructure Levy

1.11 The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge on specific new developments towards the provision of infrastructure. The Maidstone CIL Charging Schedule was adopted by Full Council on 25 October 2017, following examination in June 2017. The Maidstone CIL took effect on 1 October 2018.

1.12 The Charging Schedule sets out the charging rates for development in Maidstone Borough, including the types of development that are required to pay the Levy and where the proposed rates

will apply. The CIL Charging Schedule was developed alongside the Maidstone Borough Local Plan, and the evidence base for infrastructure, planning, affordable housing requirements and development viability supported both the Maidstone CIL and Maidstone Borough Local Plan.

1.13 The infrastructure schemes and/or types of infrastructure that may be funded by Maidstone CIL are set out in an Infrastructure List contained in the Infrastructure Funding Statement, published on the website. In addition, Section 106 planning agreements, which are negotiated with developers to secure infrastructure funding, will continue to play a significant role in securing site related infrastructure.

2. The Local Development Scheme

Review of the Local Development Scheme 2021-2024

2.1 There have been changes to the work programme for the Design and Sustainability DPD.

�

2.2 Local Plan Review: There has been no change in circumstances regarding the scope and timetable for production of the Local Plan Review since the previous version of the Local Development Scheme came into effect on 8th December 2021.

2.3 Gypsy and Traveller DPD: There has been no change in circumstances regarding the scope and timetable for production of the Gypsy and Traveller DPD since the previous version of the Local Development Scheme came into effect on 8th December 2021.

2.4 Design and Sustainability DPD: The Local Plan Review has been subject to significant public interest, including with regard to the consultation on the Regulation 19 'Draft for Submission' documents, which received over 2,200 representations. In order progress the Local Plan Review in accordance with the approved Local Development Scheme, priority was placed on this document, meaning a slight delay to the first public consultation on the Design and Sustainability DPD, which is now scheduled to commence in October 2022.

2.5 A timetable for the implementation of the Gypsy and Traveller DPD and the Design and Sustainability DPD, in addition to the Local Plan Review follows.

Local Development Scheme 2022-2024

Figure 2.1 Delivery timetable

Monitoring and Review

2.6 Gypsy and Traveller DPD: The Council are creating an evidence base to ensure it has sufficient social, environmental, economic and physical information to inform the Gypsy and Traveller DPD. The DPD will explain how its policies will be delivered and implemented and identify performance indicators against which the success of policies will be monitored. These performance indicators will be monitored through annual Authority Monitoring Reports. The Council will monitor and review progress of delivery of this Gypsy and Traveller DPD against this LDS document.

2.7 Design and Sustainability DPD: The Council are creating an evidence base to ensure it has sufficient social, environmental, economic and physical information to inform the Design and Sustainability DPD. The DPD will explain how its policies will be delivered and implemented and identify performance indicators against which the success of policies will be monitored. These performance indicators will be monitored through annual Authority Monitoring Reports. The Council will monitor and review progress of delivery of this Design and Sustainability DPD against this LDS document.

2.8 Local Plan Review: The Council is creating an evidence base to ensure it has sufficient social, environmental, economic and physical information to inform the review of the local plan. The adopted local plan explains how its policies will be delivered and implemented, and identifies performance indicators against which the success of policies is monitored. The performance indicators will be monitored through annual Authority Monitoring Reports, and the Council will monitor and review progress against the LDS programme in this document.

3. Document Project Plan

Gypsy and Traveller DPD

Gypsy and Traveller DPD
Subject/content	The Local Plan Review contains a suite of policies specifically addressing matters of Gypsy and Traveller accommodation and future need. The GTAA recommends that allocations can be used to meet the need from those who met the planning definition. A large proportion of the need is unknown based on modelled local need and the assessment outlines that this need can be dealt with by a criteria-based policy. A standalone DPD is to be prepared. The DPD will sit alongside and build on the policies in the Local Plan Review and will provide the basis for Development Management decision making. The DPD will be informed by the preparation of suitable evidence. Matters to be reviewed include: � New site allocations to meet the need � Update to DM policies from adopted Maidstone Borough Local Plan and Maidstone Local Plan Review including outbuildings and day rooms (only needed if emerging guidance changes) � Incorporate existing allocations � Non-planning definition Gypsies accommodation
Status	Local Plan
Coverage	Maidstone Borough
Chain of Conformity � national	Central government policy and guidance, including the National Planning Policy Framework, National Planning Practice Guidance, Planning policy for traveller sites (2015) and the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.
Chain of Conformity � local	Regard to the Council�s Plans and Strategies, including the Strategic Plan, Economic Development Strategy and Housing Strategy. Also have regard to the Climate Change and Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The LPR will need to take into account the policies within neighbourhood plans: North Loose Neighbourhood Plan 2015 � 2031 (2016) Staplehurst Neighbourhood Plan 2016 � 2031 (2020) Loose Neighbourhood Plan 2018 � 2031 (2019) Marden Neighbourhood Plan 2017 � 2031 (2020) Lenham Neighbourhood Plan 2017 � 2031 (2021) Boughton Monchelsea Neighbourhood Plan (2021) Otham Neighbourhood Plan (2021)
Policies Map	A new policies map is to be created
Timetable
Sustainability Appraisal	Relevant appraisals and assessment will be carried out throughout the preparation of the DPD
Evidence gathering	January 2021 to January 2023
Call for Sites	February to March 2022
Scope and matters and preferred approaches consultation (Regulation 18)	February to March 2023
Draft DPD	August to September 2023

consultation (Regulation 19)
Submission (Regulation 22)	February to March 2024
Examination hearing sessions (Regulation 24)	May to June 2024
Main Modification Consultation	August to September 2024
Adoption � Full Council (Regulation 26)	November to December 2024
Arrangements for Production
Internal Partners	Key internal partners include relevant service areas within the Council, Chief Executive; Corporate Leadership Team; and Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee.
External Partners	Key external partners include specific and general consultation bodies (including parish councils and neighbourhood forums), local stakeholder groups, hard to reach groups and the local community.
External Resources	Kent County Council, Highways England, infrastructure providers, the Homes England, and use of external consultants to provide evidence (as required).

Table 3.1 Project Plan for the Gypsy and Traveller DPD

Design and Sustainability DPD

Design and Sustainability DPD
Subject/content	The Local Plan Review contains a suite of policies specifically addressing matters of design and sustainability. At the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee on the 21^st September 2021, the Council resolved to prepare a DPD reinforced by appropriate evidence to support the Local Plan Review through the strengthening of the council�s design and sustainability focused policies. The DPD will sit alongside and build on the policies in the Local Plan Review and will provide the basis for Development Management decision making. The DPD will be informed by the preparation of suitable evidence to justify and the adoption of higher design and sustainability standards where these can be achieved. The DPD will specifically cover matters in relation to: � Water efficiency � Low carbon energy � Sustainable buildings � Building design � Biodiversity and landscaping � Open space provision � Sustainable connectivity � Internal space standards � Lighting
Status	Local Plan
Coverage	Maidstone Borough
Chain of Conformity � national	Central government policy and guidance, including the National Planning Policy Framework, National Planning Practice Guidance, Planning policy for traveller sites (2015) and the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.
Chain of Conformity � local	Regard to the Council�s Plans and Strategies, including the Strategic Plan, Economic Development Strategy and Housing Strategy. Also have regard to the Climate Change and Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The LPR will need to take into account the policies within neighbourhood plans: North Loose Neighbourhood Plan 2015 � 2031 (2016) Staplehurst Neighbourhood Plan 2016 � 2031 (2020) Loose Neighbourhood Plan 2018 � 2031 (2019) Marden Neighbourhood Plan 2017 � 2031 (2020) Lenham Neighbourhood Plan 2017 � 2031 (2021) Boughton Monchelsea Neighbourhood Plan (2021) Otham Neighbourhood Plan (2021)
Policies Map	A new policies map is to be created
Timetable
Sustainability Appraisal	Relevant appraisals and assessment will be carried out throughout the preparation of the DPD
Evidence gathering	January 2021 to March 2023
Scope and matters consultation (Regulation 18a)	October to November 2022
Preferred approaches	April to May 2023

consultation (Regulation 18b)
Draft DPD consultation (Regulation 19)	September to October 2023
Submission (Regulation 22)	March to April 2024
Examination hearing sessions (Regulation 24)	June to July 2024
Main Modification Consultation	September to October 2024
Adoption � Full Council (Regulation 26)	December 2024
Arrangements for Production
Internal Partners	Key internal partners include relevant service areas within the Council, Chief Executive; Corporate Leadership Team; and Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee.
External Partners	Key external partners include specific and general consultation bodies (including parish councils and neighbourhood forums), local stakeholder groups, hard to reach groups and the local community.
External Resources	Kent County Council, Highways England, infrastructure providers, the Homes England, and use of external consultants to provide evidence (as required).

Table 3.2 Project Plan for the Design and Sustainability DPD

Local Plan Review

Maidstone Local Plan Review
Subject/content	Matters to be reviewed include: � A review of housing of needs � The allocation of land at the Invicta Park Barracks broad location and at the Lenham broad location if the latter has not been achieved through a Lenham Neighbourhood Plan in the interim � Identification of additional housing land to maintain supply towards the end of the plan period and, if required as a result, consideration of whether the spatial strategy needs to be amended to accommodate such development � A review of employment land provision and how to accommodate any additional employment land needed as a result � Whether the case for a Leeds-Langley Relief Road is made, how it could be funded and whether additional development would be associated with the road � Alternatives to such a relief road � The need for further sustainable transport measures aimed at encouraging modal shift to reduce congestion and air pollution � Reconsideration of the approach to the Syngenta and Baltic Wharf sites if these have not been resolved in the interim � Extension of the local plan period
Status	Local Plan
Coverage	Maidstone Borough
Chain of Conformity � national	Central government policy and guidance, including the National Planning Policy Framework, National Planning Practice Guidance, Planning policy for traveller sites (2015) and the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.
Chain of Conformity � local	Regard to the Council�s Plans and Strategies, including the Strategic Plan, Economic Development Strategy and Housing Strategy. Also have regard to the Climate Change and Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The LPR will need to take into account the policies within neighbourhood plans: North Loose Neighbourhood Plan 2015 � 2031 (2016) Staplehurst Neighbourhood Plan 2016 � 2031 (2020) Loose Neighbourhood Plan 2018 � 2031 (2019) Marden Neighbourhood Plan 2017 � 2031 (2020) Lenham Neighbourhood Plan 2017 � 2031 (2021) Boughton Monchelsea Neighbourhood Plan (2021) Otham Neighbourhood Plan (2021)
Policies Map	To be amended to reflect the policy content of the Local Plan Review
Timetable
Sustainability Appraisal	Relevant appraisals and assessment will be carried out throughout the review of the Maidstone Borough Local Plan
Evidence gathering	June 2018 to September 2021
Submission (Regulation 22)	March 2022
Examination hearing sessions (Regulation 24)	August � September 2022

Main Modification Consultation	November 2022
Adoption � Full Council (Regulation 26)	January 2023
Arrangements for Production
Internal Partners	Key internal partners include relevant service areas within the Council, Chief Executive; Corporate Leadership Team; and Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee.
External Partners	Key external partners include specific and general consultation bodies (including parish councils and neighbourhood forums), local stakeholder groups, hard to reach groups and the local community.
External Resources	Kent County Council, Highways England, infrastructure providers, the Homes England, and use of external consultants to provide evidence (as required).

Table 3.3 Project Plan for the Maidstone Borough Local Plan Review

4. Appendix

Glossary of terms

Acronym	Term	Description
AMR	Authority Monitoring Report	A report which is produced annually and monitors the performance against monitoring indicators in the Maidstone Borough Local Plan.
	Development Plan	The Development Plan includes adopted local plans/Development Plan Documents and made Neighbourhood Development Plans, and sets a framework for the local decision making process.
DPD	Development Plan Documents/Local Plans	A DPD/Local Plan is a spatial planning document which sets out the plan for the future development of the local area, drawn up by a local authority in consultation with the community. Once adopted, the local plan becomes part of the Development Plan. The Local Plan does not include SPDs or local Planning Guidance, although these documents are material considerations in the decision making process.
GTAA	Gypsy and Traveller Accommoda tion Assessment	The assessment outlines the current and future need for gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople provision for Maidstone Borough until 2037.
KCC	Kent County Council	The county planning authority, responsible for producing the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plans, and are the highways authority.
LDS	Local Development Scheme	The LDS is a summary business programme and timetable for the production of the local plans and Development Plan Documents.
MBC	Maidstone Borough Council	The local planning authority responsible for producing the Borough Local Plan.
NDP	Neighbourhood Development Plan	Neighbourhood Development Plans (also known as neighbourhood plans) are prepared by a parish council or neighbourhood forum for a particular neighbourhood area. Neighbourhood plans must be in conformity with the strategic policies of the Local Plan and, once made, form part of the Council's Development Plan.
	Planning Policy Guidance	Additional guidance which provides further detail to policies set out in local plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions but is not part of the local plan or the development plan. If subject to adequate stakeholder and public consultation, guidance can carry commensurate weight with SPDs in the decision making process.
	Policies Map	The Policies Map uses an on-line ordnance survey map base to show the spatial extent of all land use policies and proposals, and is updated with each new Local Plan so that it reflects the up-to- date planning strategy for the borough.

Acronym	Term	Description
SA	Sustainability Appraisal	The SA is a tool for appraising policies and proposals to ensure they reflect sustainable development objectives, including social, economic and environmental objectives. An SA must be undertaken for all local plans and incorporates a Strategic Environmental Assessment.
SCI	Statement of Community Involvement	The SCI specifies how the community and stakeholders will be involved in the process of preparing local planning documents, Neighbourhood Development Plans and the Development Management process.
SEA	Strategic Environmental Assessment	SEA is a generic term used to describe the environmental assessment of policies, plans and programmes. The European SEA Directive requires a formal environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes, including those in the field of planning and land use.
SoS	Secretary of State	Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
SPD	Supplementary Planning Document	An SPD provides further detail to policies set out in local plans. SPDs are a material consideration in the decision making process but are not part of the Development Plan or the Local Plan. They follow a statutory production and consultation process.

Table 4.1 Glossary of terms