In considering a plan of subdivision, the approval authority evaluates the merits of the proposal against criteria such as:

• conformity with the official plan and compatibility with adjacent uses of land
• compliance with local zoning by-laws
• suitability of the land for the proposed purpose, including the size and shape of the lot(s) being created
• adequacy of vehicular access, water supply, sewage disposal
• the need to ensure protection from potential flooding.

In deciding on the application, the approval authority shall be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement.

The Provincial Policy Statement contains clear, overall policy directions on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. The “shall be consistent with” rule means that a council is obliged to ensure that the policies of the Provincial Policy Statement are applied as an essential part of the land use planning decision-making process. It is expected that the approval authority will implement the Provincial Policy Statement in the context of other planning objectives and local circumstances.