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Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) are documents that provide additional detail and guidance to policies set out in a local authority's Local Plan. While not forming part of the statutory development plan itself, SPDs are intended to expand upon and assist in the interpretation and implementation of Local Plan policies. 

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What are SPDs?

SPDs are documents produced by local planning authorities to supplement their Local Plan. They cover a wide range of issues such as design principles, conservation of the historic environment, or provision of affordable housing. The key characteristics of SPDs are:

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- They provide further guidance for policies in the Local Plan. They do not create new policies themselves.
- They are not subject to independent examination like the Local Plan. 
- They are a material consideration in planning decisions but do not have the same weight as the Local Plan.

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The Purpose of SPDs

The key purpose of SPDs is to provide more detailed advice and guidance on the policies in the Local Plan. Common uses of SPDs include:

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- Providing guidance on how specific policies should be interpreted and applied
- Setting out principles or standards that development proposals will be expected to meet
- Giving additional details about the way the planning authority will implement Local Plan policies

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By expanding on policies, SPDs aim to provide clarity and reduce uncertainty for applicants and developers. They also allow planning policies to be expanded upon without altering the Local Plan itself.

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When are SPDs Required?

Local authorities should only produce SPDs where they are essential and will add value to existing policies. SPDs should not be used to introduce new policy requirements that are not already grounded in the Local Plan.

The local authority will set out the topics they intend to produce SPDs on in their Local Development Scheme. Consultation is required during SPD preparation, but the process is less extensive than for a Local Plan document.

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Status in Planning Decisions 

SPDs are capable of being a material planning consideration in the determination of planning applications. The weight given to their policies will depend on how much they expand upon and provide detail relevant to the proposal in question.

While SPDs do not have the full weight of Local Plan policy, they remain important guidance documents that planning committees and officers will rely on when making decisions and recommendations on planning applications.

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Conclusion

In summary, Supplementary Planning Documents are invaluable tools for adding depth to Local Plan policies on key topics and providing guidance to applicants. By producing SPDs local authorities can create more robust policies, while retaining flexibility to update guidance without going through a full Local Plan review. SPDs enable planning committees to make decisions in line with the Local Plan by providing relevant detail on its policies.