The timeline below shows the lifecycle of Local Plan document development, including the current (active) stage, future stages and expected timings.
View the legal requirements for this process
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Launch
ActivePublication of this Launch Document, to commence the preparation of the Local Plan. We invite comments on the content of the Launch Document from communities and other stakeholders. Respond to the consultation online.
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Evidence gathering, engagement and options formulation
On targetThis stage involves extensive gathering and analysis of data, evidence and information on key issues. This includes a call for sites, enabling stakeholders to submit sites think are available and potentially suitable for development to provide housing, employment, or other facilities, such as renewable energy. View the types of evidence that we take into account, and more general guidance on land availability assessment at GOV.UK.
During this stage, there are usually at least two public consultations:- To identify key issues and opportunities
- To review evidence and help to develop policy options
We have set out details of how we plan to engage with communities, stakeholders and consultees in our Engagement Strategy, published alongside this Launch Document.
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Options document consultation
On targetEvidence gathered and responses from engagement help to create an Options Document. This sets out out initial issues and policy options that will define the draft Local Plan going forward. There is a public consultation to get feedback on this document.
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Preparation of Draft Plan and targeted engagement
On targetPreparation of a Draft Plan, taking into account consultation responses, and further analysis of the evidence base. At this stage, there is additional targeted engagement with key stakeholders.
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Draft Plan consultation
On targetPublication of the Draft Plan, with a public consultation of at least 6 weeks. We may make changes to the Draft Plan following the consultation, and may decide to carry out further consultation, if we consider any resulting changes to be major or significant.
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Submission for examination
On targetThe final Draft Plan is submitted to the Government, along with the supporting evidence base. An independent Inspector assesses the soundness of the Plan.
The meaning of 'soundness' for Planning documents
To be considered 'sound', a Plan should be all of the following:
- Positively prepared
- The plan should be prepared based on a strategy which seeks to meet objectively assessed development and infrastructure requirements, including unmet requirements from neighbouring authorities where it is reasonable to do so and consistent with achieving sustainable development.
- Justified
- The plan should be the most appropriate strategy, when considered against the reasonable alternatives, based on proportionate evidence.
- Effective
- The plan should be deliverable over its period and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic priorities.
- Consistent with national policy
- The plan should enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework.
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Examination hearings
On targetThe independent Inspector holds a public Examination into the soundness of the Plan. All of the relevant documents are made available on our public website during this period. Examination hearings include evidence from anybody who wishes to make a submission on any of the key issues, or questions highlighted by the Inspector.
The Inspector considers all of the evidence and representations made through the Draft Local Plan consultation process. Read more about the Examination process on GOV.UK
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Inspector's report
On targetThe Inspector assesses whether the Local Plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements, and whether it is sound.
The Inspector publishes their recommendations in a Report. If they have not recommended adoption, we can still adopt the Plan, in line with any ‘main’ modifications the Inspector has made. We may run a public consultation before deciding whether to adopt significant modifications.
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Adoption
On targetThe Council adopts the Plan at a full Council meeting.