New local plan system to launch in 2026

A new system for local plan development is set to launch in early 2026.

The reforms will be introduced through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 and aim to strengthen and streamline how local plans are prepared and examined across England.

Fewer than a third of local planning authorities have up-to-date local plans.

The new system will introduce a 30-month local plan process providing a clear end-to-end framework for creating and adopting local plans and a three-gateway system with clear checkpoints at Gateway 1 (scope and strategic priorities), Gateway 2 (draft plan), and Gateway 3 (readiness for examination).

There will be digital-first requirements with standardised data formats and user-friendly digital tools and dedicated guidance and tools to support plan-makers bringing forward a local plan in the new system.

New guidance is already available from MHCLG, which is aimed at local authority plan-makers and covers the early stages of local plan making in the new system. Tools and services will be released in due course.

The Planning Inspectorate will manage the new plan-making process from Gateway 2 onwards