The Hampshire County Structure Plan

A structure plan sets out policies and major proposals to guide new development, improve the transport system and conserve the natural and built environment. It must implement national and regional policies, in particular the Government's Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) notes and Regional Planning Guidance (RPG). In turn, the Structure Plan provides the framework for local plans prepared by district, borough and city councils, and for the Minerals and Waste Local Plan.

Structure plans are due to disappear as a result of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Under the Act, the responsibility for strategic planning will pass from County and Unitary Councils to Regional Assemblies.

The South East Regional Assembly is currently preparing a regional spatial strategy, to be known as the South East Plan. County and Unitary Authorities within the South East Region have a statutory role to assist the Regional Assembly with the preparation of the plan. When the South East Plan is approved, it will replace all the Structure Plans in the Region.

As a consequence of changes to the planning system, the Hampshire County Structure Plan ceased to have any effect from 27 September 2007 with the exception of 24 policies. Those 24 policies remain in force due to a Direction issued by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. They are known as 'saved policies'.