A Local Development Order (LDO) provides specified permitted development rights within a defined area, in addition to those that are set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order already. By doing this, it removes the requirement for an application for planning permission albeit, in some cases, confirmation is required from the local planning authority (LPA) that the terms of the LDO have been complied with.

LDOs are determined locally and used by LPAs to help accelerate the delivery of appropriate development in the right places. LDOs can help enable growth by positively and proactively shaping sustainable development in their area and can play an important role in incentivising development by simplifying the planning process and making investment more attractive – although development may still be liable for the payment of planning obligations, the Community Infrastructure Levy or a Section 106 agreement.

LDOs have been recognised as a useful marketing tool, raising the profile of a site or area and demonstrating a positive and progressive LPA approach to address issues relating to development and growth. 

LDOs have value in de-risking the planning process, as they provide certainty to applicants with regards to the principle of a development being acceptable, as well as a set of criteria that the applicant knows will need to be satisfied for compliance to be confirmed. Often the costs and timeframes associated with securing approval under the terms of an LDO are lower when compared to an application for planning permission. 

Whilst LDOs are progressed by an LPA, there is often extensive dialogue with the owners and developers of land within the LDO area, as ultimately these are the parties that would make use of the LDO, as well as a period of public consultation and targeted stakeholder engagement. LDOs can be time limited – often limited to five years – and can be withdrawn by the LPA if the permitted development has been completed or if they are no longer serving a purpose.