When does the new system come into force? 

The new system came into force on 25 March 2026, replacing the previous 2012 regulations. During the transition period, both systems operate in parallel. LPAs were originally required to submit their local plans for examination by 31 December 2026 to continue under the legacy system.

On 23 October 2026, the Government officially extended this deadline to 31 March 2027, as long as the final Regulation 19 consultation is completed by 31 December 2026. Plans that do not reach this stage by the end of the year must proceed under the new 30-month process. A different deadline may apply where the Government has already set one for an individual plan.

The 30-month timeline:

Before the 30-month timetable begins

1. Get ready (at least four months’ notice) – gather evidence, engage with stakeholders and prepare the plan’s draft vision.

• Scoping consultation – a minimum 21-day consultation period seeking views on the issues, challenges and opportunities facing the local area, helping to influence the plan’s content. This will likely include a Call for Sites consultation; however, the guidance does not specifically refer to this.
• Gateway 1 – the first of the three mandatory checkpoints. This is a self-assessment by the LPA to demonstrate that it has the evidence and governance arrangements to begin preparing the local plan.

During the 30-month timetable

2. Prepare the plan (months 1-23) – draft the local plan, undertake two public consultations and complete Gateways 2 and 3.

• Public consultation 1 (proposed plan content and evidence) – a minimum six-week consultation seeks views on the draft vision, objectives, spatial strategy and technical evidence. 
• Gateway 2 – the second of the three mandatory checkpoints. The Planning Inspectorate becomes informally involved through a collaborative workshop with the LPA.
• Public consultation 2 (proposed local plan) – a minimum eight-week consultation on the proposed plan, including policies and site allocations.
• Gateway 3 – the final mandatory checkpoint, operating on a pass/fail basis. Once an LPA passes Gateway 3, it is expected to submit its draft local plan for examination.

3. Examination (months 24-29) – the local plan is independently examined by a planning inspector, who considers whether it meets the soundness tests.

4. Adoption (month 30) – the local plan is formally adopted by the council.

5. Monitoring (month 31 onwards) – the LPA undertakes annual monitoring tasks and begins preparing for the next plan.

Throughout the process there are specific windows of opportunity for public comments to be made on the preparation and content of the plan. The length of consultation can vary depending on the LPA. 

What are the key changes?

The new system introduces several changes to the plan-making process, as summarised below.

What should interested parties such as landowners and developers look out for?

1. Monitor consultation announcements

There are no prescribed requirements governing how authorities advertise the early stages. Scoping consultations may therefore be difficult to locate, making it important to monitor council websites and planning policy updates.

2. Engage early

The scoping stage offers an important opportunity to influence the plan’s direction. Although it does not focus on detailed policies or allocations, stakeholders can raise local priorities and may be able to promote land through an accompanying Call for Sites.

3. Expect variation between authorities

Authorities must follow the same process and timetable, but consultation lengths, document formats and evidence requirements may differ.

4. Understand where your council is in the plan-making cycle

The timing of a new local plan will depend on where the authority is in its current plan-making cycle. Authorities with recently adopted plans may not begin preparing their new plan immediately, whereas those relying on older plans may move quickly into the new system.

The new local plan system will take time to become effective. The 30-month timetable may be achievable if plans are streamlined around a spatial vision, key site allocations and infrastructure, with national development management policies avoiding repetition at the local level.

Further information

Contact Chloe Leckie and Eve Johnson-Jones