
Track the progress of emerging Local Plans across England. Search by council, region or current plan-making stage and follow the official council link to review consultation documents, timetables, proposed site allocations, submission information and examination updates.
A Local Plan is the principal planning policy document prepared by a Local Planning Authority. It sets out how an area is expected to grow, where new homes and employment development may be located and which policies will be used to determine planning applications.
Local Plans normally contain a spatial strategy, development management policies and proposed site allocations. They are supported by evidence covering housing need, employment land, infrastructure, transport, flood risk, landscape, heritage, ecology and land availability.
For landowners and site promoters, understanding the current stage of a Local Plan is essential. Different stages provide different opportunities to submit land, respond to proposed allocations, challenge site assessments and make representations on whether the plan is sound and legally compliant.
Search all active Local Planning Authorities in England. The tracker combines the national LPA register, Planning Inspectorate strategic-plan monitoring and individually verified live plan-making stages.
308 Local Plan entries shown
| Council | Region | Current stage | Key date / position | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adur Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 14 December 2017 | Official source |
Amber Valley Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 02 March 2026 | Official source |
Arun Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 18 July 2018 | Official source |
Ashfield Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted plan recorded | Official source |
Ashford Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 21 February 2019 | Official source |
Babergh Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 February 2014 | Official source |
Barking and Dagenham Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 21 July 2010 | Official source |
Barnet Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 04 March 2025 | Official source |
Barnsley Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 31 July 2018 | Official source |
Basildon Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted plan recorded | Official source |
Basingstoke and Deane Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 26 May 2016 | Official source |
Bassetlaw Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 29 May 2024 | Official source |
Bath and North East Somerset Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 19 January 2023 | Official source |
Bedford Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 15 January 2020 | Official source |
Bexley Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 26 April 2023 | Official source |
Birmingham Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 10 January 2017 | Official source |
Blaby Proposed Submission consultation |
East Midlands | Regulation 19 | Summer 2026 | Official source |
Blackburn with Darwen Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 25 January 2024 | Official source |
Blackpool Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 20 January 2016 | Official source |
Bolsover Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 04 March 2020 | Official source |
Bolton Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North West | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Boston Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
East Midlands | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted plan recorded | Official source |
Bracknell Forest Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 19 March 2024 | Official source |
Bradford Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 18 July 2017 | Official source |
Braintree Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 19 September 2011 | Official source |
Breckland Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 28 November 2019 | Official source |
Brent Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 12 July 2010 | Official source |
Brentwood Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 23 March 2022 | Official source |
Brighton and Hove Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 24 March 2016 | Official source |
Bristol, City of Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 21 June 2011 | Official source |
Broadland Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 22 March 2011 | Official source |
Bromley Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 16 January 2019 | Official source |
Bromsgrove Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 January 2017 | Official source |
Broxbourne Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 23 June 2020 | Official source |
Broxtowe Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 17 September 2014 | Official source |
Buckinghamshire Pre-submission Local Plan and site allocations |
England | Regulation 19 | July 2026 | Official source |
Burnley Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 31 July 2018 | Official source |
Bury Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North West | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Calderdale Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 16 July 2014 | Official source |
Cambridge Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 18 October 2018 | Official source |
Camden Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 08 November 2010 | Official source |
Cannock Chase Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 23 March 2026 | Official source |
Canterbury Progressing after Regulation 19 |
South East | Post-Regulation 19 | Closed 18 May 2026 | Official source |
Castle Point Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted plan recorded | Official source |
Central Bedfordshire New plan timetable underway |
East of England | New System – Scoping | Started 6 May 2026 | Official source |
Charnwood Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 19 January 2026 | Official source |
Chelmsford Independent examination underway |
East of England | Examination | Submitted 5 June 2026 | Official source |
Cheltenham Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 11 December 2017 | Official source |
Cherwell Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 20 July 2015 | Official source |
Cheshire East Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 27 July 2017 | Official source |
Cheshire West and Chester Moving to the new plan-making system |
North West | New System – Timetable | Published July 2026 | Official source |
Chesterfield Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 15 July 2020 | Official source |
Chichester Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 19 August 2025 | Official source |
Chorley Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 17 July 2012 | Official source |
City of London Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 08 September 2011 | Official source |
Colchester Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 11 December 2008 | Official source |
Cornwall Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 22 November 2016 | Official source |
Cotswold Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 03 August 2018 | Official source |
County Durham Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North East | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Coventry Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 06 December 2017 | Official source |
Crawley Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 28 November 2007 | Official source |
Croydon Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 22 April 2013 | Official source |
Cumberland Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
England | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Dacorum Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 September 2013 | Official source |
Darlington Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 17 February 2022 | Official source |
Dartford Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 22 April 2024 | Official source |
Dartmoor National Park Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 04 April 2008 | Official source |
Derby Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 January 2017 | Official source |
Derbyshire Dales Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 07 December 2017 | Official source |
Doncaster Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Dorset Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
South West | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Dover Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 16 October 2024 | Official source |
Dudley Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 03 February 2011 | Official source |
Ealing Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 03 April 2012 | Official source |
East Cambridgeshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 19 October 2023 | Official source |
East Devon Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 28 January 2016 | Official source |
East Hampshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 08 May 2014 | Official source |
East Hertfordshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 23 October 2018 | Official source |
East Lindsey Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 18 July 2018 | Official source |
East Riding of Yorkshire Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 02 April 2025 | Official source |
East Staffordshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 15 October 2015 | Official source |
East Suffolk Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 15 July 2025 | Official source |
Eastbourne Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 20 February 2013 | Official source |
Eastleigh Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 April 2022 | Official source |
Ebbsfleet Development Corporation Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
South East | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Elmbridge Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 20 July 2011 | Official source |
Enfield Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 10 November 2010 | Official source |
Epping Forest Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 06 March 2023 | Official source |
Epsom and Ewell Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 24 July 2007 | Official source |
Erewash Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 06 March 2014 | Official source |
Exeter Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 21 February 2012 | Official source |
Exmoor National Park Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 04 July 2017 | Official source |
Fareham Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 05 April 2023 | Official source |
Fenland Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 08 May 2014 | Official source |
Folkestone and Hythe Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 18 September 2013 | Official source |
Forest of Dean Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 23 February 2012 | Official source |
Fylde Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 22 October 2018 | Official source |
Gateshead Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North East | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Gedling Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 17 September 2014 | Official source |
Gloucester Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 23 November 2017 | Official source |
Gosport Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 01 October 2015 | Official source |
Gravesham Final formal consultation stage |
South East | Regulation 19 | Launched 17 April 2026 | Official source |
Great Yarmouth Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 21 December 2015 | Official source |
Greenwich Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
London | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Guildford Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 April 2019 | Official source |
Hackney Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 24 November 2010 | Official source |
Halton Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 17 April 2013 | Official source |
Hammersmith and Fulham Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 28 February 2018 | Official source |
Harborough Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 30 April 2019 | Official source |
Haringey Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 18 March 2013 | Official source |
Harlow Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 10 December 2020 | Official source |
Harrow Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 24 March 2026 | Official source |
Hart Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 30 April 2020 | Official source |
Hartlepool Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 22 May 2018 | Official source |
Hastings Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 19 February 2014 | Official source |
Havant Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 01 March 2011 | Official source |
Havering Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 17 November 2021 | Official source |
Herefordshire, County of Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 16 October 2015 | Official source |
Hertsmere Regulation 19 plan being prepared |
East of England | Post-Regulation 18 | Closed 29 May 2026 | Official source |
High Peak Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 14 April 2016 | Official source |
Hillingdon Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 08 November 2012 | Official source |
Hinckley and Bosworth Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 15 December 2009 | Official source |
Horsham Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 02 February 2007 | Official source |
Hounslow Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 15 September 2015 | Official source |
Huntingdonshire Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 15 May 2019 | Official source |
Hyndburn Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 19 January 2012 | Official source |
Ipswich Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 14 December 2011 | Official source |
Isle of Wight Notice and timetable published |
South East | New System – Commencement | June 2026 | Official source |
Isles of Scilly Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 March 2021 | Official source |
Islington Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 17 February 2011 | Official source |
Kensington and Chelsea Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 24 July 2024 | Official source |
Kingston upon Hull, City of Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 23 November 2017 | Official source |
Kingston upon Thames Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 17 April 2012 | Official source |
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 27 March 2025 | Official source |
Kirklees Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Knowsley Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North West | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Lake District National Park Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 19 May 2021 | Official source |
Lambeth Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 19 January 2011 | Official source |
Lancaster Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 23 July 2008 | Official source |
Leeds Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 12 November 2014 | Official source |
Leicester Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 09 June 2026 | Official source |
Lewes Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 11 May 2016 | Official source |
Lewisham Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 16 July 2025 | Official source |
Lichfield Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 17 February 2015 | Official source |
Lincoln Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 24 April 2017 | Official source |
Liverpool Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 26 January 2022 | Official source |
Luton Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 07 November 2017 | Official source |
Maidstone Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 20 March 2024 | Official source |
Maldon Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 21 July 2017 | Official source |
Malvern Hills Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 February 2016 | Official source |
Manchester Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 11 July 2012 | Official source |
Mansfield Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 08 September 2020 | Official source |
Medway Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted plan recorded | Official source |
Melton Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 10 October 2018 | Official source |
Merton Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 20 November 2024 | Official source |
Mid Devon Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 11 July 2007 | Official source |
Mid Suffolk Preparation timetable published |
East of England | New System – Timetable | Effective 3 June 2026 | Official source |
Mid Sussex Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 28 March 2018 | Official source |
Middlesbrough Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 20 February 2008 | Official source |
Milton Keynes Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 10 July 2013 | Official source |
Mole Valley Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 15 October 2024 | Official source |
New Forest Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 06 July 2020 | Official source |
New Forest National Park Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
South East | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Newark and Sherwood Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 29 March 2011 | Official source |
Newcastle upon Tyne Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 26 March 2015 | Official source |
Newcastle-under-Lyme Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 01 October 2009 | Official source |
Newham Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 26 January 2012 | Official source |
North Devon Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 29 October 2018 | Official source |
North East Derbyshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 29 November 2021 | Official source |
North East Lincolnshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 22 March 2018 | Official source |
North Hertfordshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 08 November 2022 | Official source |
North Kesteven Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 24 April 2017 | Official source |
North Lincolnshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 28 June 2011 | Official source |
North Norfolk Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 17 December 2025 | Official source |
North Northamptonshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 15 December 2014 | Official source |
North Somerset Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 10 April 2012 | Official source |
North Tyneside Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North East | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
North Warwickshire Consultation on revised and new policies |
West Midlands | Regulation 18 | Part 2 underway | Official source |
North West Leicestershire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 21 November 2017 | Official source |
North York Moors National Park Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 27 July 2020 | Official source |
North Yorkshire Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Northumberland Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 31 March 2022 | Official source |
Northumberland National Park Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 15 July 2020 | Official source |
Norwich Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 22 March 2011 | Official source |
Nottingham Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 17 September 2014 | Official source |
Nuneaton and Bedworth Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 10 December 2025 | Official source |
Oadby and Wigston Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 28 September 2010 | Official source |
Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 22 June 2022 | Official source |
Oldham Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North West | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Oxford Progressing toward submission |
South East | Post-Regulation 19 | Consultation closed | Official source |
Peak District National Park Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 07 October 2011 | Official source |
Pendle Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 18 December 2025 | Official source |
Peterborough Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 24 July 2019 | Official source |
Plymouth Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 23 April 2007 | Official source |
Portsmouth Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 24 January 2012 | Official source |
Preston Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 02 July 2012 | Official source |
Reading Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 04 November 2019 | Official source |
Redbridge Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 13 March 2008 | Official source |
Redcar and Cleveland Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 24 May 2018 | Official source |
Redditch Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 30 January 2017 | Official source |
Reigate and Banstead Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 03 July 2014 | Official source |
Ribble Valley Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 16 December 2014 | Official source |
Richmond upon Thames Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 07 October 2025 | Official source |
Rochdale Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North West | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Rochford Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 13 December 2011 | Official source |
Rossendale Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 15 December 2021 | Official source |
Rother Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 29 September 2014 | Official source |
Rotherham Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 29 September 2014 | Official source |
Rugby Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 04 June 2019 | Official source |
Runnymede Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 16 July 2020 | Official source |
Rushcliffe Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 22 December 2014 | Official source |
Rushmoor Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 21 February 2019 | Official source |
Rutland Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 11 July 2011 | Official source |
Salford Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 19 June 2014 | Official source |
Sandwell Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
West Midlands | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Sefton Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North West | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Sevenoaks Submission expected later in 2026 |
South East | Regulation 19 | 23 July–17 September 2026 | Official source |
Sheffield Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 04 March 2009 | Official source |
Shropshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 24 February 2011 | Official source |
Slough Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 16 December 2008 | Official source |
Solihull Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
West Midlands | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Somerset Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
England | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
South Cambridgeshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 January 2007 | Official source |
South Derbyshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 13 June 2016 | Official source |
South Downs National Park Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 02 July 2019 | Official source |
South Gloucestershire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 11 December 2013 | Official source |
South Hams Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 21 December 2006 | Official source |
South Holland Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 20 October 2010 | Official source |
South Kesteven Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 30 January 2020 | Official source |
South Norfolk Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 22 March 2011 | Official source |
South Oxfordshire Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 10 December 2020 | Official source |
South Ribble Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 18 July 2012 | Official source |
South Staffordshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 11 December 2012 | Official source |
South Tyneside Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North East | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Southampton Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 20 January 2010 | Official source |
Southend-on-Sea Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 13 December 2007 | Official source |
Southwark Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 06 April 2011 | Official source |
Spelthorne Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 17 March 2026 | Official source |
St Albans Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted plan recorded | Official source |
St. Helens Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North West | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Stafford Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 19 June 2014 | Official source |
Staffordshire Moorlands Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 09 September 2020 | Official source |
Stevenage Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 22 May 2019 | Official source |
Stockport Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North West | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Stockton-on-Tees Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 30 January 2019 | Official source |
Stoke-on-Trent Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 01 October 2009 | Official source |
Stratford-on-Avon Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 11 July 2016 | Official source |
Stroud Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 19 November 2015 | Official source |
Sunderland Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 30 January 2020 | Official source |
Surrey Heath Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 01 February 2012 | Official source |
Sutton Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 26 February 2018 | Official source |
Swale Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 26 July 2017 | Official source |
Swindon Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 26 March 2015 | Official source |
Tameside Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North West | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Tamworth Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 23 February 2016 | Official source |
Tandridge Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 15 October 2008 | Official source |
Teignbridge Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 19 May 2026 | Official source |
Telford and Wrekin Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 11 January 2018 | Official source |
Tendring Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
East of England | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Test Valley Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 27 January 2016 | Official source |
Tewkesbury Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 11 December 2017 | Official source |
Thanet Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 09 July 2020 | Official source |
The Broads Authority Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 17 May 2019 | Official source |
Three Rivers Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 17 October 2011 | Official source |
Thurrock Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 21 December 2011 | Official source |
Tonbridge and Malling Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 September 2007 | Official source |
Torbay Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 10 December 2015 | Official source |
Torridge Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 29 October 2018 | Official source |
Tower Hamlets Examination progressing |
London | Examination | Hearing postponed July 2026 | Official source |
Trafford Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 19 June 2014 | Official source |
Tunbridge Wells Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 10 December 2025 | Official source |
Uttlesford Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 March 2026 | Official source |
Vale of White Horse Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 14 December 2016 | Official source |
Wakefield Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 24 January 2024 | Official source |
Walsall Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
West Midlands | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Waltham Forest Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 29 February 2024 | Official source |
Wandsworth Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 20 October 2010 | Official source |
Warrington Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 21 July 2014 | Official source |
Warwick Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 21 September 2017 | Official source |
Watford Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 17 October 2022 | Official source |
Waverley Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 20 February 2018 | Official source |
Wealden Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 28 November 2012 | Official source |
Welwyn Hatfield Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 12 October 2023 | Official source |
West Berkshire Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 10 June 2025 | Official source |
West Devon Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 19 April 2011 | Official source |
West Lancashire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 16 October 2013 | Official source |
West Lindsey Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 24 April 2017 | Official source |
West Northamptonshire Representations being analysed |
England | Post-Regulation 18 | Closed 27 March 2026 | Official source |
West Oxfordshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 27 September 2018 | Official source |
West Suffolk Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
East of England | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 15 July 2025 | Official source |
Westminster Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
London | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 26 January 2011 | Official source |
Westmorland and Furness Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
England | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Wigan Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North West | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Wiltshire Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South West | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 20 January 2015 | Official source |
Winchester Local Plan 2044 timetable commenced |
South East | New System – Commencement | 30 June 2026 | Official source |
Windsor and Maidenhead Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 08 February 2022 | Official source |
Wirral Active LPA confirmed; detailed plan stage not available in the national monitoring table |
North West | Plan Position – Authority Check | Current authority page should be checked | Official source |
Woking Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 October 2012 | Official source |
Wokingham Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 29 January 2010 | Official source |
Wolverhampton Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 03 February 2011 | Official source |
Worcester Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 February 2016 | Official source |
Worthing Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
South East | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 28 March 2023 | Official source |
Wychavon Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 25 February 2016 | Official source |
Wyre Review recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
North West | Adopted Plan – Under Review | Adopted 26 January 2023 | Official source |
Wyre Forest Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
West Midlands | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 09 December 2010 | Official source |
York Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 27 February 2025 | Official source |
Yorkshire Dales National Park Strategic policies recorded in Planning Inspectorate monitoring |
Yorkshire and the Humber | Adopted Plan – Monitoring | Adopted 30 June 2026 | Official source |
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Local Plan timetables and consultation dates can change. Confirm the current position directly with the relevant council before relying on an entry or preparing representations.
The Local Plan process has evolved following reforms to the planning system, meaning some councils continue to prepare plans under the legacy regulations while others are progressing under the new plan-making framework. Although the terminology and statutory procedures may differ, every Local Plan follows a broadly similar progression from evidence gathering and strategy development through consultation, independent examination and eventual adoption. Each stage provides different opportunities for landowners, developers, site promoters and local communities to influence the future planning strategy, promote land for development and comment on proposed policies or site allocations.
Before drafting a Local Plan, councils undertake extensive evidence gathering to understand the area's future housing, employment, infrastructure and environmental needs. This stage often includes demographic forecasting, housing and employment land studies, transport assessments, flood risk analysis, infrastructure planning, sustainability appraisal and other technical evidence. Many authorities will also invite landowners, developers and promoters to identify land through a Call for Sites or update their Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA).
For landowners, this is often the earliest opportunity to ensure that land is known to the council before development options are formulated. A well-prepared Call for Sites submission supported by site plans, planning information and evidence of deliverability can significantly improve the prospects of a site being considered during later stages of the Local Plan process.
Regulation 18 (under the legacy system) represents the principal stage at which councils consult on emerging planning policies, growth options, development strategies and potential site allocations. Authorities may present several alternative approaches before deciding which strategy should be taken forward into the final Local Plan. Under the new plan-making system, similar opportunities arise during draft plan consultation and public engagement.
This is frequently the most important stage for landowners because councils remain relatively flexible in their approach to site selection. Representations can be submitted supporting proposed allocations, objecting to unsuitable policies or promoting additional land that may have been overlooked. Technical evidence relating to highways, flood risk, ecology, landscape, infrastructure and deliverability can often influence how a council assesses competing development opportunities before preparing its preferred strategy.
Following consideration of earlier consultation responses, councils prepare the version of the Local Plan they intend to submit for independent examination. Under Regulation 19, consultation focuses less on identifying new development opportunities and more on whether the proposed Local Plan is legally compliant, positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national planning policy.
For landowners whose sites have not been allocated, this stage provides an important opportunity to demonstrate why the proposed strategy is unsound or why alternative sites should be considered. Detailed representations are commonly supported by planning evidence, technical reports and legal submissions explaining how the Local Plan could be modified before examination.
Once submitted, the Local Plan is examined by an independent Planning Inspector appointed by the Planning Inspectorate. During the examination process the Inspector reviews the evidence supporting the Local Plan, considers representations received during consultation and may hold public hearing sessions to examine key planning issues in greater detail. If deficiencies are identified, the Inspector may recommend Main Modifications, which are usually subject to further public consultation before the examination concludes.
Following completion of the examination, the council may formally adopt the Local Plan, after which it becomes the primary planning policy document used to determine planning applications. Although opportunities to introduce entirely new development sites are generally limited by this stage, monitoring future Local Plan reviews and maintaining ongoing site promotion can help position land for consideration in the next plan-making cycle.
Local Plan decisions can have a major effect on development potential and land value. A site allocated for housing, employment or mixed-use development may become substantially more valuable than land retained solely in its existing use.
Monitoring allows landowners to identify when a council is seeking sites, when evidence is being updated and when proposed allocations are being consulted upon. It also gives promoters time to prepare technical evidence and address concerns before key decisions are made.
Waiting until the plan reaches examination may be too late to introduce a completely new site. Active promotion normally starts much earlier through a Call for Sites submission, Regulation 18 representations and ongoing engagement with the planning authority.
Explore our comprehensive guides covering Local Plans, proposed site allocations, HELAA and SHLAA assessments, Calls for Sites, housing land supply, settlement boundaries and strategic land promotion. Whether you are seeking to understand how land is assessed, identify opportunities to submit a site, respond to an emerging Local Plan or improve your land's prospects of allocation, these resources provide practical guidance on the principal stages, evidence requirements and planning considerations that can influence development potential and land value.
Understand how land is assessed and selected for allocation.
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Click hereReview the principal tests used in site assessment.
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