A development plan sets out a local authority's policies and proposals for land use in their area.In order to ensure that these decisions are rational and consistent, they must be considered against the development plan adopted by the authority, after public consultation and having proper regard for other material factors.Local plans and UDPs identify particular areas as suitable for housing, industry, retail or other uses, and set out the policies which the authority proposes to apply in deciding whether or not development will be permitted.The preparation of Local Plans and UDPs gives the community the opportunity to influence the detailed policies and specific proposals for the future development and use of land in their area.The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 has introduced a local development framework including several additional documents that will eventually supersede those mentioned above.