FAQs

Masterplan

A masterplan is typically an overarching planning document that provides a spatial layout used to structure land use and development. 

Supplementary Planning Document (SPD):

A Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is a document that adds further detail to the policies already contained within a Local Plan. An SPD can be used to provide further guidance for development on specific sites, or on particular issues, such as design. Supplementary planning documents are capable of being a material consideration in planning decisions but are not part of the development plan. 

Local Plan:

A Local Plan is a plan that is prepared by the Local Planning Authority which sets out how the local area will be developed in the future. The plan guides decisions on whether or not planning applications can be granted. 

The Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2031: Managing Growth and Sharing Benefits was adopted by Full Council on 15 January 2020. You can access the Tower Hamlets Local Plan here.  

Material consideration

Simply put, a material consideration is a matter that should be taken into account in deciding a planning application or on an appeal against a planning decision.

There is no set list defining material considerations. Local Planning Authorities decide what is deemed to be 'material'.

Statutory consultation

Statutory or ‘formal’ consultation is mandatory public participation, set out by legislation contained in the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) Regulations 2012. It can be separated into three stages:

1. Public participation (Regulation 12)

   
   Early engagement and collaboration should take place with the local community, including neighbourhoods, local organisations and businesses, so that, as far as possible, it reflects an agreed set of priorities for sustainable development in the area.

   The Council must produce a statement setting out who has been consulted, a summary of the issues raised and how they have been addressed.

2. Representations on Supplementary Planning Documents (Regulation 13)

   Any person may make a representation about an SPD during a formal public consultation to allow people to view and recommend changes to the supplementary planning document, should they wish to do so.

   All representations will be carefully considered. Where the recommendations are considered beneficial, the supplementary planning document will be amended accordingly.

3. Adoption of Supplementary Planning Documents (Regulation 14)

   The Council can adopt a supplementary planning document; there is no need for an independent examination. However, as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of adoption, the Council must:

   • Publish an adoption statement in the local press and send a copy to any person who has asked to be notified of the adoption of the supplementary planning document.
   • Make all relevant documents and the adoption statement available at those locations where they were on display during the formal public consultation.

The statutory minimum period for consultation on a draft SPD is four weeks, however, to ensure that all interested parties have the opportunity to respond, London Borough of Tower Hamlets will run formal consultation for a period of six weeks.