Timetable: new Local Plan
The government has published new draft guidance that requires all local authorities to adjust the way they prepare Local Plans, and this means we’ve had to review the detailed steps in our original plan-making timetable (known as the Local Development Scheme) to ensure we align with the new guidance.
As we’ve had to add in some additional stages that we need to go through before we can publish the first formal stage of consultation, we will no longer be going out to our Regulation 18 consultation as we had previously planned.
The timetable still aims for adoption of the new Local Plan by December 2028. This is because we built extra time into the original schedule, anticipating changes to the planning system, and we have already started much of the supporting evidence work.
The timetable is based on the information the government has published and we’re still waiting for the legislation to be put in place. It will formally replace our Local Development Scheme once the new legislation is in place in the coming weeks.
Key stages of plan making
Publish new Local Plan Timetable (March 2026)
Under the new planning system, we need to publish our timetable for preparing the Local Plan on our website. The overall timescale stays the same, with the Local Plan due for adoption in December 2028.
Publish ‘Notice to Commence Plan Making’ (March 2026)
This new requirement gives communities and other stakeholders early notice that plan making is starting. It helps people understand when and how they can get involved.
We must publish the notice at least 4 months before Gateway 1.
Scoping consultation (May 2026)
This is a new requirement, but similar to the engagement we have already carried out. We will use this consultation to check that what we heard from our communities and stakeholders is still relevant.
Gateway 1 (August 2026)
Gateway 1 is a new requirement. It is a self‑assessment checklist that confirms we:
- have published the timetable
- have published the notice
- have completed the scoping consultation
- have a project plan in place
After we complete Gateway 1, we have 30 months to prepare and adopt the Local Plan.
First formal consultation – 6 weeks (October to November 2026)
This is the first formal consultation on the Local Plan. It will set out:
- the proposed vision
- aims and objectives
- a summary of the policy topics the plan will cover
We can also publish a summary of the evidence we propose to prepare to support the plan.
Gateway 2 (March to April 2027)
Gateway 2 is a new requirement. It is a formal way of getting feedback from a planning inspector on the draft plan and supporting evidence. It checks that our approach aligns with national policy, guidance and legislation.
Second formal consultation – 8 weeks (November to December 2027)
This 8‑week consultation is on the final version of the plan. It will include the proposed site allocations.
Gateway 3 (April to May 2028)
Gateway 3 is a new requirement. An external assessor checks that the Local Plan meets planning regulations and the tests of soundness before we formally submit it for Examination.
Submission (June 2028)
We will submit the Local Plan to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination.
Examination (June to November 2028)
A planning inspector will lead the independent examination of the Local Plan over a 6‑month period.
Adoption (December 2028)
We will adopt the Local Plan as the development plan for Central Bedfordshire.