The publication of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) means that PPS12 is now cancelled. DCLG are reviewing all their planning guidance, including this manual. However in the meantime, until it is officially withdrawn or revised, it remains extant.
Please note that the contents haven't been changed to reflect the NPPF.
The government no longer regulates the precise detail of how a council should prepare a plan. Local authorities have the opportunity to tailor the process of plan preparation to the task in question.
In particular, local authorities now have the opportunity to dovetail the development plan document making process with other responsibilities within the local authority together with other organisations, for example in preparing a sustainable community strategy with the local strategic partnership.
This section gives guidance regarding how plans might be prepared in the context of the law and government policy. These are, however, only suggestions and local authorities are free to meet the requirements in different ways if they see fit.