Adopted plans and policies
Current Local Planning Policy
Planning law requires that decisions on planning applications be made in the context of National Planning Policy, the Development Plan for the area and any other material considerations. The Development Plan for an area comprises both strategic and non-strategic policies, which are in force at a particular time.
Collectively, the following documents comprise the Development Plan for St Helens Borough Council:
The Local Plan
The St Helens Borough Local Plan up to 2037 was adopted in July 2022 following examination by the Planning Inspectorate.
- St Helens Borough Local Plan up to 2037 (PDF, 12 MB)(opens new window)
- St Helens Borough Local Plan - Policies Map (PDF, 17 MB)(opens new window)
- Planning Inspectors Report on the Examination of the St Helens Borough Local Plan (PDF, 12 MB)
The Joint Merseyside and Halton Waste Plan
More information on the Joint Merseyside and Halton Waste Plan is available on the Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service (MEAS) website.
Area Action Plans
Adopted Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)
There are a series of adopted Supplementary Planning Documents. These provide more detailed advice or guidance on policies in the adopted Local Plan.
The following SPDs have been produced:
- Affordable Housing (January 2010) (PDF, 2 MB)(opens new window)
- Biodiversity (June 2011) (PDF, 5 MB)(opens new window)
- Design (April 2024) (PDF, 46 MB) Adoption Statement (PDF, 112 KB) Consultation Statement (PDF, 1 MB)
- Design & Crime (October 2009) (PDF, 6 MB)(opens new window)
- Developer Contributions (April 2024) (PDF, 3 MB) Adoption Statement (PDF, 112 KB) Consultation Statement (PDF, 1 MB)
- Householder Development (June 2011) (PDF, 3 MB)(opens new window)
- Hot Food Takeaway (June 2011) (PDF, 4 MB)(opens new window)
- King Street Design Brief (June 2011) (PDF, 4 MB)(opens new window)
- List of Locally Important Buildings (June 2011) (PDF, 3 MB)(opens new window)
- Local Economy (November 2013) (PDF, 1 MB)(opens new window)
- Open Space Provision and Enhancement (April 2024) (PDF, 1 MB) Adoption Statement (PDF, 112 KB) Consultation Statement (PDF, 1 MB)
- Residential Character Areas (June 2011) (PDF, 8 MB)(opens new window)
- Shopfronts (June 2011) (PDF, 3 MB)(opens new window)
- Telecommunications (June 2008) (PDF, 1 MB)(opens new window)
- Transport and Travel SPD 27.01.2025 (PDF, 14 MB) Adoption Statement (PDF, 112 KB)Consultation Statement (PDF, 1 MB)
- Trees and Development (June 2008) (PDF, 4 MB)(opens new window)
Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) do not have Development Plan status. However, they are a material consideration when determining a planning application.
Adopted Development Briefs
Development Briefs provide further guidance for the development of specific areas. The following Development Brief has been produced:
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