This part of the DEQMS prescribes the process to be used to produce Zone Plans for bases and establishments across the Defence Estate.  Whist the process is used primarily by the Directorate of Base Planning (DBP), Estate Planning Branch, Infrastructure Division, it also provides guidance for regions undertaking the preparation of Zone Plans.

Zone Plan Reports are strategic land management documents that identify and illustrate the optimal spatial allocation of land for the orderly development or re-development of the Defence Estate.  Zone Plans generally focus less on identifying the footprints of structures and facilities, but more on land use considerations and reducing land use conflict.  Zone Plans identify land use zones and the types of facilities and uses that are suitable within those zones. Zone Plans will also identify broad constraints and reserve land for future development. 

The suite of zones used within any given plan have been selected on the basis that they are considered to be the combination that most readily provides for the achievement of the desired end state. The preparation of Zone Plans require consideration of the current and future capability requirements, as well as the physical opportunities and constraints that may exist at the particular establishment.  Given the way many bases and establishments have been developed, it is likely that the there will occur some inconsistent uses within zones.  The Zone Plans will address these inconsistencies and identify how they may be eliminated over the life of the plan.

The Zone Plan Report itself contains a précis of the underpinning analysis and identifies, in their broadest sense, any constraints that might apply in particular zones.  The zones are identified on the Zone Plan map, which should be read in conjunction with the contents of the Zone Plan Report.   

Zone Plans are developed for a 10-20 year horizon, with regular review periods generally at five year intervals.  Reviews may also be triggered by changes in government or Defence policy or the rapid acquisition of new capability systems.