For those of a certain age, Mystic Meg will always be remembered for her attempts at predicting the future, often with limited success—especially when it came to the numbers for the National Lottery draw this week.
With the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the introduction of the new Standard Method, and Angela Rayner’s initiative to boost construction in the UK, it seems the Government has decided to revive the art of future prediction, almost as if dusting off Meg’s crystal ball. The objective is to encourage Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to create their Local Plans in a timely manner. LPAs can receive up to £100,000 each to assist in preparing these Plans.
However, this funding comes with specific conditions, three of which are particularly noteworthy:
- They must be at the Regulation 18 stage of the plan-making process as of February 14, 2025.
- They need to anticipate submitting their plan in the current system by December 2026.
- They must commit to submitting an updated Local Plan timetable (Local Development Scheme or LDS) to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) by March 6, 2025, and provide regular updates on their progress against the established milestones.
So, why are these conditions significant? An LDS is an essential document as it lays out the timeline for producing a Local Plan. We support the Government’s initiative to establish these timelines and hold LPAs accountable for timely plan preparation. This focus includes understanding what can be achieved in the next 22 months.
Take, for example, all the LPAs in Gloucestershire. Following the demise of the Stroud Local Plan in early February, there is (currently) no LPA with a Plan at Regulation 19 or Examination. Therefore, all the Local Plans for the County will be prepared with the new Standard Method housing figure in mind. Another common feature is that none of the LPAs concerned have a 5-year housing land supply.
This situation creates significant potential for sites to be pursued as planning applications without the need for development plan promotion. However, this largely depends on the size of the site and the associated planning issues. Nevertheless, 22 months provides ample time for the preparation, submission, and determination of applications, along with the potential for an appeal, if necessary, before an LPA reaches the Regulation 19 stage.
Understanding the relationship between the LDS and housing land supply is crucial when evaluating a site’s potential and determining the best course of action within the planning system. This knowledge is vital not just for promoters and developers, but also for landowners and their advisers, including agents and solicitors.
At McLoughlin Planning Ltd, we have observed a significant uptick in requests for advice on these matters. While a crystal ball might offer some insights, having a formal Local Development Scheme is far more valuable. Ignoring the opportunities available is not a feasible option, and I strongly encourage you to discuss what the next 22 months might hold with my team—without needing to consult a crystal ball.