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How we prepare the Local Plan

1.4    We will prepare the Local Plan through consulting and involving communities and a range of other stakeholders – giving people a bigger say in how the area will change. Preparation of the Local Plan is governed by legislation, and will go through a series of stages, which are summarised in the timeline below. It also sets out the anticipated timetable for each stage of preparation of the B&NES Local Plan. Click on any stage, to see more detail about what is involved.

  1. Stage 1: Launch

    Complete Stage completed: October 2022

    Launch Document published and consulted on, to commence the preparation of the Local Plan.

  2. Stage 2: Evidence gathering, engagement and Options formulation

    Complete Stage completed: October 2022 to January 2024

    Extensive gathering and analysis of data, evidence and information on key issues has been carried out. Engagement has been carried out with community representatives and key stakeholders across the district. Policy and site options have been formulated.

  3. Stage 3: Options Document consultation

    Active February to April 2024

    Public consultation on this Options Document

  4. Stage 4: Preparation of Draft Plan and targeted engagement

    On target March 2024 to December 2024

    Having taken account of responses received from consultation, and further analysis of evidence, the Council will prepare a Draft Plan. Additional targeted engagement with key stakeholders will also be carried out.

  5. Stage 5: Draft Plan consultation

    On target January 2025 to February 2025

    A Draft Plan will be published, and consultation on this document will be carried out for a period of at least 6 weeks. The local planning authority may make changes to the Draft Plan following the consultation, and may decide to carry out further consultation if any resulting changes are considered to be significant.

  6. Stage 6: Submission and Examination

    On target March 2025

    The final Draft Plan will be submitted to the Government along with the supporting evidence base, following which an independent Inspector will be allocated to assess the soundness of the Plan.

  7. Stage 7: Examination hearings

    On target Jaunary 2025

    The independent Inspector will hold an Examination into the soundness of the Plan. The Examination hearings will include evidence from anybody who wishes to make a submission on any of the key issues or questions highlighted by the Inspector. The Inspector will consider all of the evidence and representations made through the Draft Local Plan consultation process.

  8. Stage 8: Inspector's report

    On target June and July 2025

    The Inspector will assess whether the Local Plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements, and whether it is sound. The Inspector will publish their recommendations in a Report. If the Inspector has not recommended adoption, the Council can adopt the Plan in line with any ‘main’ modifications as suggested by the Inspector.

  9. Stage 9: Plan adoption

    On target November 2025

    The Council will adopt the Plan at a full Council meeting.


1.5   This document sets out options, or reasonable alternatives, for addressing the identified needs and policy approaches to help deliver healthy and sustainable places. Its purpose is to elicit comment and discussion around these options. The comments received, as well as ongoing engagement with communities and other stakeholders, will be used to help shape the Draft Local Plan. It is the Draft Local Plan that sets out our proposed site allocations and policies to shape and guide change and development that requires planning permission.


1.6    The Draft Local Plan is then subject to formal consultation and both the Draft Plan and comments received are submitted for Public Examination by a government appointed Planning Inspector. The Inspector will be examining whether the Local Plan is sound. As defined in national policy, the tests of plan soundness comprise the following:

Tests of the soundness of a Local Plan

  • Positively prepared: comprise a strategy that at least meets identified needs
  • Justified: based on proportionate evidence
  • Effective: deliverable over the plan period and based on effective joint-working on cross-boundary strategic matters
  • Consistent with national policy: as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework and other government statements

1.7   Once it has been examined, subject to the Inspector’s conclusions, the Local Plan can then be adopted. Once it is adopted, the Local Plan becomes the statutory framework for determining planning applications in our area.