A Faster, Clearer Future for Planning: Understanding the New Local Plan Regulations

The planning landscape in England is evolving and the new regulations for preparing local plans promise a faster, simpler, more accessible process. The government has recently published guidance to support this shift, reflecting reforms under the Levelling‑Up and Regeneration Act 2023 and related changes geared towards speeding up plan-making.

A key feature of the new system is a clear expectation on local planning authorities to prepare and adopt local plans within a roughly 30-month timeframe, which is a substantial acceleration compared with the often long and drawn-out processes of the past.

Alongside this, updated guidance encourages use of digital tools, data-driven mapping and simpler, more readable plans so that policies are easier to understand and engage with.

One important tool under the updated regime is the requirement for a “policies map”: a geographic map that clearly shows how plan policies apply across a local area, enabling residents, developers and stakeholders to see exactly where different planning restrictions or designations apply.

The reforms also mark a departure from older practices, for example the statutory “duty to cooperate” between neighbouring authorities is being scrapped, replaced with a more flexible and streamlined approach to plan preparation.

In essence, the updated system aims to reduce duplication, cut delays and deliver local plans that better reflect current housing needs, environmental priorities and community ambitions.

For anyone involved in planning, development or local policy: this is a moment of opportunity. Faster timetables, clearer maps and online tools should make the plan-making process more transparent and accessible and ultimately bring more certainty for communities, councils and developers alike.

Faster timetables, clearer maps and online tools should make the plan-making process more transparent