STORY
The Planning Inspectorate has published a procedure guide for examinations under the new local plan system in England. The system, developed with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, came into force in March 2026 under new planning regulations replacing the 2012 plan-making rules.
The Government expects the new system to support a 30-month end-to-end plan-making process. The guide sets out how gateway assessments and examinations will operate, with local planning authorities also directed to the Government’s Create or Update a Local Plan guidance.
The Planning Inspectorate said it would hold a webinar and live question and answer session on 6 July to explain how examinations will work in practice. The legacy system will continue for authorities adopting plans submitted no later than 31 December 2026, while other authorities may use the new process.