The New Local: Plans, Councils and Complexities

The government has set out its next steps for reforming the local plan-making system, outlining a faster and more standardised approach intended to deliver full local plan coverage by 2028. While detailed regulations are due to be published early next year, ministers set out the core framework last week:

• A 30-month timeline for creating and adopting local plans

• A three-gateway system:
  
  • Gateway 1 (scope and strategic priorities)
  • Gateway 2 (draft plan)- The Planning Inspectorate will manage the new plan-making process from Gateway 2 onwards
  • Gateway 3 (readiness for examination)

• Digital-first requirements – introducing standardised data formats and user-friendly digital tools

• Dedicated guidance and tools to support plan-makers from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)

These reforms land at a moment of significant upheaval for many councils already preparing for Local Government Reform (LGR), which will merge existing councils into larger authorities. Several areas are already consulting on proposed structures, while other have yet to begin. All will undergo elections in the next two years, meaning leadership and responsibilities for delivering the new local plans may shift during this transition.

Once both reforms - LGR and the new local plan-making system - are in place, ministers expect a more stable planning landscape with clearer planning frameworks to support the government's ambitions of delivering 1.5 million homes. However, with the reforms scheduled for completion just one year before the next general election, there is uncertainty over whether these housing targets can realistically be met.  

For developers, land-promoters and landowners, the next 24 to 30 months will be defined by uncertainty and movement. Changing political leadership, evolving community priorities and the introduction of new plan-making responsibilities mean understanding the emerging ‘new local’ will be essential. Early engagement with councillors, stakeholders and local communities is likely to play a decisive role in shaping which site progresses.  

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