PAS has developed some guidance and tools to help local authorities aiming to make a Local Plan in the new plans system.
Why act now?
“Planning to plan in the new plan-making system”—try saying that quickly! But speeding up a complex process is exactly what is being asked of us. That means we’ll all need to think creatively, adapt, and work differently.
We know the full details of the new plan-making system aren’t finalised yet, and that creates uncertainty for local authorities. But uncertainty doesn’t mean waiting. The tighter 30-month timetable leaves no room for delay, meaning we need to think creatively and adapt quickly. At PAS, we’re keen to explore these new approaches through our Local Plan Leaders Network—sharing ideas, strategies, and mutual support, so you’re ready to move confidently when the new system goes live.
Here are our thoughts on actions you can take now, to ensure you’re organised and ready—whatever happens next.
What if you need to switch plans mid-way?
If your plan reaches Regulation 18 stage or later but will miss the December 2026 submission deadline, we believe you’ll need to restart procedurally under the new system. While compliance with the new regulations means there are no procedural shortcuts, your previous work won’t be wasted. Many key elements remain common to both systems, including:
- Community engagement and consultation (although the legislation behind the formal processes may differ).
- Environmental assessments (e.g., Strategic Environmental Assessment).
- Evidence base - including understanding needs and impacts of development and evidence about your places, such as urban capacity studies or assessments of settlement hierarchies
- Identifying site allocations and undertaking site assessments.
- Testing the deliverability and viability of the plan and sites.
Existing evidence and consultation findings can be reviewed, updated, and repurposed, significantly reducing costs and saving time as you transition into the new plan-making system. Taking stock of these existing resources now can significantly reduce future costs and speed up your transition into the new process.
Why act now?
“Planning to plan in the new plan-making system”—try saying that quickly! But speeding up a complex process is exactly what is being asked of us. That means we’ll all need to think creatively, adapt, and work differently.
We know the full details of the new plan-making system aren’t finalised yet, and that creates uncertainty for local authorities. But uncertainty doesn’t mean waiting. The tighter 30-month timetable leaves no room for delay, meaning we need to think creatively and adapt quickly. At PAS, we’re keen to explore these new approaches through our Local Plan Leaders Network—sharing ideas, strategies, and mutual support, so you’re ready to move confidently when the new system goes live.
Here are our thoughts on actions you can take now, to ensure you’re organised and ready—whatever happens next.
What if you need to switch plans mid-way?
If your plan reaches Regulation 18 stage or later but will miss December 2026 submission deadline, we believe you’ll need to restart procedurally under the new system. While compliance with the new regulations means there are no procedural shortcuts, your previous work won’t be wasted. Many key elements remain common to both systems, including:
- Community engagement and consultation (although formal processes may differ).
- Environmental and sustainability assessments (e.g., Strategic Environmental Assessment).
- Evidence base - including understanding needs and impacts of development and evidence about your places, such as urban capacity studies or assessments of settlement hierarchies
- Identifying site allocations and undertaking site assessments.
- Testing the deliverability and viability of the plan and sites.
Existing evidence and consultation findings can be reviewed, updated, and repurposed, significantly reducing costs and saving time as you transition into the new plan-making system. Taking stock of these existing resources now can significantly reduce future costs and speed up your transition into the new process.
Tools to help you think through your next steps