Local Plan Process Shake-Up: What’s Coming in 2026

The Government has reiterated that the plan-led approach is, and must remain, the cornerstone of the planning system. This is because the absence of an up-to-date local plan significantly increases the risk of piecemeal, speculative development and limited public engagement. Local plans are also the key mechanism through which communities can influence how housing, infrastructure and wider development needs are met in their area.

(Source: Chris McAndrew)

The Government has therefore committed to achieving universal local plan coverage and accelerating plan adoption. Over the past year, this has included:

• introducing transitional arrangements through the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF),

• providing £29 million to 188 local planning authorities to support rapid plan preparation,

• committing a further minimum of £14 million in the current financial year to support plan-making under the new system, and

• making clear that, where necessary, it will use intervention powers, including taking over plan-making directly if authorities fail to make adequate progress.

These measures set the context for the new plan-making regulations coming into force in early 2026, as outlined below.

1. Final Backstop Dates for Commencing Plan-Making

   
   

The Government has confirmed that the previously proposed “waves” for rolling out the new system will not be taken forward. Instead, authorities will be encouraged to begin preparing plans under the new system as soon as possible following regulations commencement in early 2026.

However, fixed legal deadlines or ‘backstop dates’ will apply:

• 31 October 2026: authorities operating under NPPF transitional arrangements must begin Gateway 1 (Scope and Strategic Priorities).

• 30 April 2027: authorities with a local plan more than five years old must formally commence plan-making.

2. New Guidance and Tools to Support Plan-Makers

   
   

Alongside the regulatory changes, the Government has begun to roll out a new suite of resources to support local planning authorities.

The Create or Update a Local Plan (CULP) platform, launched in February 2025, now hosts the first draft of dedicated guidance and tools crafted specifically for the new system.

The initial materials focus on the early stages of plan-making, helping authorities:

• understand key requirements,

• structure their early evidence gathering, and

• prepare effectively for the 30-month process.

  
  

Additional templates, tools and practical support from the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) accompany this first release, with more resources expected through 2026.

3. Final Submission Deadlines Under the Existing System

While the new system is introduced, the current one will remain in place throughout 2026 - but with final deadlines.

The regulations confirm that 31 December 2026 will be the final date for submitting plans for examination under the existing legal framework.

However, some authorities face earlier deadlines:

• Plans that reached Regulation 19 by 12 March 2025 and met less than 80% of local housing need must be updated and submitted by 12 June 2026, unless the required updates meant that the authority must return to Regulation 18.

• Where a return to Regulation 18 was required, the submission deadline defaults to 31 December 2026.

4. Removal of the Duty to Cooperate

The new plan-making system under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 formally removes the Duty to Cooperate, which originally served to secure cross-boundary collaboration after the end of regional planning.

In its place, the new system will rely on:

• revised national policy, and

• a new tier of strategic planning, currently under development.

  
  

Authorities must still collaborate across boundaries, particularly on unmet housing need, and Inspectors will continue to examine plans against the NPPF’s policies on maintaining effective cooperation.

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If you are unsure how these regulatory changes may affect your local plan work, site strategies or wider planning projects, our team is here to help. We advise local planning authorities, land promoters and developers on how policy reforms translate into real-world implications, from local plan preparation and evidence requirements to site promotion, applications and appeals. Our role is to help you stay ahead of emerging practice and avoid unnecessary risks, delays or missed opportunities.

Contact us on +44 1235 766825 or email admin@bluestoneplanning.co.uk to discuss how these changes may influence your planning strategy and how we can support you in responding confidently and effectively.