Overview of the local plan process

A brief guide to the local plan process

We've prepared a brief guide to help landowners, communities, and developers understand the plan-making process, including when and how to get involved.

What is a local plan?

A local plan is produced by a council to provide a framework for planning decisions in its area and to deliver development.

Why are they important?

Local plans allocate land for development while protecting certain areas of land from development. A local plan includes the policies against which planning applications must be assessed before decisions are made.

How often are they produced?

All councils are required to produce a local plan. They typically cover a 15-to-20-year period before they are replaced with a new plan. Local plans are reviewed every five years to assess whether they need updating and take into consideration changing circumstances affecting the area, and relevant changes in national policy.

What is the process?

The production of a local plan involves multiple stages – from evidence gathering to public consultation with communities and stakeholders, examination, and adoption. The process includes an initial ‘issues and options’ consultation, followed by a ‘preferred options’ plan consultation before a final draft plan consultation is published for review.

Why should I get involved?

When a local plan is up for review or under development, it is an opportunity to engage with the planning process and promote land for development. A new local plan will act as a guide for development for up to twenty years. It is therefore important for landowners and managers of land and estates to be involved in the process.

When should I submit land for consideration?

The best time to submit land for consideration for allocation is during a call for sites or consultation period.

What is the call for sites?

The call for sites is central to the local plan making process. During this period, potential sites are identified for development, and the type of development suitable for the area is determined for instance residential, commercial, or mixed-use.

Anything else I need to consider?

When submitting a site, consider requisites set out in national policy such as biodiversity net gain, energy efficient builds, the focus on ‘beautiful’ buildings, and how these may influence allocation. Stay informed also about further changes to the National Planning Policy Framework during the local plan process.

Which sites will be allocated?

Sites or land deemed suitable for development in principle will be ‘allocated’. This confirms the principle of development, but allocated sites still require a planning application to verify the design and technical details of the development.

Who decides if the local plan will be adopted?

A local plan produced by a council must be examined by the government. Only if the plan is agreed to be sound by the government can it then be adopted and used.

Get in touch

For further guidance on local plans, to discuss your land, or explore a current or future planning opportunity, please contact the team at Rural Solutions below. Wherever you are in the country, we can help you understand the opportunities, and how to respond to the local plan processes.