Prematurity

Where a new LDP is under preparation or review it may be justifiable, in some circumstances, to refuse planning permission on the grounds of prematurity. This may be appropriate in respect of development proposals which are individually so substantial, or whose cumulative effect would be so significant, that to grant planning permission would prejudice the outcome of the plan process by predetermining decisions about the scale, location or phasing of new development which ought to be taken in the LDP context. A proposal for development that has an impact on only a small area would rarely come into this category, but refusal might be justifiable where a proposal would have a significant impact on an important settlement, or a substantial area, with an identifiable character. Where there is a phasing policy in the LDP, it may be necessary to refuse planning permission on grounds of prematurity if the policy is to have effect.