Buckinghamshire

England is heading towards an unprecedented concentration of Local Plan submissions before the end of 2026. For developers and promoters, the issue is not just whether a plan is submitted, but whether it can withstand the scrutiny of examination.

Understanding how long Local Plan examinations take in 2026 is critical for developers and promoters navigating the planning system, with timelines, average durations and increasing delays shaping decisions on when to submit applications and pursue appeals.

The publication of the draft National Planning Policy Framework for consultation marks a defining moment for the planning industry.

On coming to power in 2024, the Labour government put its full force behind boosting productivity. This included a direct recognition of the importance of critical UK industries in the Science and Technology sector which compete on the global scale for talent, space and investment.

The draft National Planning Policy Framework represents a significant departure from the status quo for national planning policy.

The draft National Planning Policy Framework introduces a completely restructured Chapter for the historic environment.

In December 2025, the UK Government published a consultation draft of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) aimed at overhauling national planning policy to promote economic growth, boost housing delivery and streamline the planning system for Local Authorities and developers.