Timings of the Local Plan review
When will the Local Plan be ready and what period will it cover?
If approved, the plan will be adopted and ready to use in making planning decisions in Autumn 2027. The plan will cover a 15 year period planning for growth into 2043.
Why has the Local Plan period changed from 2026-2041 to 2026/27-2043?
The plan period consulted on for Regulation 18 was for the period 2026-2041. Respondents to this question noted that a 15 year plan period was required in order for the plan to meet the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework. The Council agrees that it is necessary to make this change in order that the plan is found to be sound as one of the tests for plan-making is whether the plan is in accordance with national planning policy. The Plan extension to 2043 was also a recommendation from the Planning Inspectorate in order to conform with the NPPF requirement of a 15 year Plan period from adoption.
There is no requirement within the Local Plan regulations to consult on individual changes that are made to a plan between Regulation 18 and Regulation 19 consultations. The comments received from the Regulation 18 consultation have helped shape the Submission Draft Local Plan that has been published.
The change to the plan period is being consulted on at this Regulation 19 stage.
