The Planning Inspectorate welcomes the letter from Minister
MP on local plan
examinations ahead of the December 2026 submission deadline.
The letter of 15 July builds on previous correspondence and
requests that our inspectors take a pragmatic and proportionate
approach when assessing viability and deliverability
evidence.This letter has been shared with our inspectors.
With many local planning authorities submitting plans
under the legacy system in the coming months, the Minister's
letter requests than inspectors assess viability and
deliverability across the full plan period, rather than treating
current economic conditions as a barrier to sound plans
progressing. The Inspectorate shares the government's ambition
for every community to have an up-to-date local plan
and remains committed to achieving this goal.
Graham Stallwood, Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate,
said:
We welcome this clear and timely letter from the
Minister. We have invested significantly in our capacity and
capability to support local plan reform, including
recruiting more than 30 local
plans inspectors, transforming our digital
services, and strengthening engagement and support
for local planning authorities.
We are committed to playing our full part
in delivering the Government's
planning ambitions. We will continue to work
constructively with local authorities and partners
across the planning sector to support the adoption
of sound local plans.
Further information
