This week marks a major milestone for local plan-making in
England. Minister of State for Housing and Planning MP has signed into law
the regulations to commence the new plan-making system,
provided for by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.
A package of five statutory instruments was laid in Parliament
this week. The core procedural regulations — which replace the
existing 2012 plan-making regulations — come into force on 25
March 2026.
Dual-running period
Both systems will run in parallel during 2026. Local planning
authorities working under the existing system should note that
the deadline for plan submission remains 31 December
2026. All other authorities will be able
to commence preparation under the new system from 25
March, once the regulations are in force.
Guidance and resources
MHCLG has also published a roadmap for the Create or
Update a Local Plan guidance, setting out the expected release
programme for further resources throughout 2026 — including on
plan timetables, data standards and community
engagement. Further regulations on data standards and the plan
housing requirement are expected within the coming weeks,
with additional regulations to follow later in the
year.
The Planning Inspectorate's role
The Planning Inspectorate will play a central role in
the new system from Gateway 2 onwards. We will shortly be
publishing the first edition of our Procedure Guide for local
plans prepared and examined under the new system, with further
guidance and digital services to follow throughout 2026.
Read the Create or Update a Local Plan roadmap: Roadmap of resources and
support: new local plan-making system - GOV.UK
