Stage 1: Scoping

Key Activities:

• Publication of Notice of Intention to Commence the New Local Plan | Regulation 19
• Initial evidence base review: Housing and Employment Needs, Flood Risk, Landscape Character etc.

Community Involvement:
Statutory Public Engagement: Scoping Consultation | Regulation 20

Spring – Autumn 2026

26 June 2026

3 August - 14 September 2026

Stage 1: Proposed Content of Plan and Supporting Evidence

Key Activities:

• Early stage visioning and options
• Vision and Strategic Options
• Initial Evidence Base Review: IIA, SFRA, HIA, Green Belt Assessment Part 2 etc.)
• Publication of summary of scoping consultation | Regulation 22

Community Engagement:
Statutory Public Engagement: Vision and Strategic Options | Regulation 23

November 2026 – June 2027

May – June 2027

Stage 2a: Draft Plan Preparation

Key Activities: 

• Publication of summary of Vision and Strategic Options Consultation | Regulation 24
• Site assessments
• Strategic policy drafting
• Prepare for Gateway 2

Stage 2b: Draft Plan Preparation

Key Activities:

• Draft Local Plan
• Draft Policies Map

Community Engagement:
Statutory Public Engagement: Proposed Draft Local Plan Consultation | Regulation 27

December 2027 – March 2028

May – July 2028
 

Stage 2c: Final Proposed Plan Preparation

Key Activities:

• Publication of summary of Draft Local Plan Consultation | Regulation 30
• Finalise submission documents
• Prepare for Gateway 3
   

July/August 2028

Stage 3: Submission and Examination

Key Activities:

• Submit to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) | Regulation 34
• Publish Local Plan
• Publish Policies Map
• Publish Consultation Reports
• Independent Examination | Regulation 35
• Examination Hearings
• Main Modifications (if required)
• Consultation of Main Modifications (if required) 
• Receipt of Inspector’s Final Report | Regulation 37

Community Involvement: 
Attend Examination hearings (public)
Representations of Main Modifications (if required)

October 2028 – March 2029

Stage 4: Adoption | Regulation 39

Key Activities:

• Adoption by Full Council
• Publication of Adoption Statement
• Update Digital Local Plan
• Begin monitoring cycle

Community Involvement:
Local Plan available for inspection
Community notified of adoption    
 

April 2029