(development plan documents | DPDs)
local development documents that have development plan status. Once DPDs have been adopted by the local authority, development control decisions must be made in accordance with them unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
DPDs require a high level of community involvement, consultation procedures and independent assessment. They are officially adopted after a binding report is produced by an independent planning inspector following an independent examination of the DPD and any representations made in respect of it.
Practical Law Dictionary. Glossary of UK, US and international legal terms. www.practicallaw.com. 2010.