Local Plan Watch

The planning landscape continues to evolve at pace as national reforms translate into tangible change across the country. The effects of the revised National Planning Policy Framework are increasingly visible on the ground – in plan-making, decision-taking and the scale of development now being contemplated by local planning authorities.

Planning remains firmly at the heart of the Government’s growth agenda, and local authorities are responding. We are nevertheless seeing a wide spectrum of approaches. Many are accelerating the preparation of their Local Plans to retain control of growth and submit final proposals for independent examination by the end of this year, before further reforms introduced through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act take effect. Others are grappling with housing land supply pressures and the challenge of aligning local ambitions with national policy, particularly where local political circumstances remain unsettled.

Across our region, the result is a complex and fast-moving planning picture. Local Plan Watch is designed to help you navigate this changing landscape. Our interactive map provides up-to-date intelligence on the position of every Local Planning Authority across our region, highlighting where plans are progressing, where pressure is building to boost housing supply, and where future allocations may emerge. Each entry is supported by insight from our specialist planning teams, who are closely engaged with developments on the ground.