New local plan system launching early 2026: latest update
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-27)

New system for local plan development launches early 2026, introducing a 30-month process, three gateways, and digital-first requirements.

On 27 November 2025, the Minister for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook, confirmed further details regarding the new system for local plan development (https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2025-11-27/hcws1104) that will begin operating in the new year.

The reforms, introduced through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, aim to strengthen and streamline how local plans are prepared and examined across England.

Why this matters

Currently, fewer than a third of local planning authorities have up-to-date local plans. The new system supports the government’s commitment to deliver 1.5 million homes this Parliament by creating a faster, more predictable planning system.

What’s changing

As previously announced, the new system developed by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) introduces:
- A 30-month local plan process providing a clear end-to-end framework for creating and adopting local plans
- A three-gateway system with clear checkpoints at Gateway 1 (scope and strategic priorities), Gateway 2 (draft plan), and Gateway 3 (readiness for examination)
- Digital-first requirements with standardised data formats and user-friendly digital tools
- Dedicated guidance and tools to support plan-makers bringing forward a local plan in the new system.
New guidance available now

New guidance from MHCLG, aimed at local authority plan-makers and covering the early stages of local plan making in the new system, is now available on Create and Update a Local Plan (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/create-or-update-a-local-plan-using-the-new-system) (CULP). This initial guidance will be followed by the timely release of tools and services both this year and beyond.

The Planning Inspectorate will manage the new plan-making process from Gateway 2 onwards. We will soon publish the first edition of the Procedure Guide for Local Plans prepared and examined under the new system. This guide will offer a high-level overview of the process and practical advice on the Inspectorate’s role in local plan preparation and examination. We will offer further detailed guidance and support for local plan development - including details of our new digital service for examinations - throughout 2026.

Additional practical tools and templates will be provided by the Planning Advisory Service (https://www.local.gov.uk/pas/plans/support-plan-making-review-and-update), which will further support plan-makers with their preparations.

Transition arrangements

To allow a smooth transition, both the existing and new systems will run in parallel throughout 2026. Local planning authorities can submit plans under the existing system until 31 December 2026.

The new plan-making system provided by the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023 does not include the Duty to Cooperate. This requirement will also be removed for plans examined in the existing system, to help drive local plans to adoption as quickly as possible. Further information is contained in this letter (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69286415345e31ab14ecf67d/Local_Plans_letter_to_PINS.pdf).

The Planning Inspectorate’s role

Our role is to conduct a thorough, independent assessment of local plans. We carry out this role during plan preparation through undertaking gateway assessments, and in conducting independent examinations. We assess whether plans are legally compliant and sound in line with national policy. This independent scrutiny ensures communities have robust planning frameworks that can effectively manage growth and development.

The Inspectorate is doubling the size of its local plans inspector workforce (https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/departments/pins-hub/pins-inspector-job-campaign/) to meet anticipated demand and is committed to supporting local planning authorities and planning professionals though the transition to the new local plans development and examination system.

For regular updates and news from the Planning Inspectorate, including ongoing advice, support and guidance for local plan-making and news about our new digital services, sign up to the Planning Inspectorate newsletter. (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mN94WIhvq0iTIpmM5VcIjWXdmHWy-ftHv7JFkx6bCJRUM0RLV084VUhDT1c1VFNFU0M3M0tSQTY3VyQlQCN0PWcu)