Local Plan Frequently Asked Questions
We have put together some frequently asked questions about the Local Plan, what it is and how it is prepared. Further questions will be added as we move towards the Regulation 19 consultation and beyond.
What is a Local Plan
Local Plans are prepared by the local planning authority, such as Blaby District Council, in consultation with the local community. The Local Plan will include a vision and framework to protect some areas and identify the locations where development will be supported. The Plan will address housing, the economy, community facilities, infrastructure and conserving and enhancing the natural and historic environment, mitigating and adapting to climate change and achieving well designed places. The Local Plan is the main policy document used when making decisions on planning applications for development proposals.
Why do we need to update the Local Plan
The Government requires all local planning authorities to provide a long-term Local Plan to meet our needs for the future. Without a Local Plan, development will still take place, but the Council will be less able to control development so that it aligns with local needs and priorities. When the Council assesses a planning application, the Local Plan is the primary consideration. Every council is legally required to review their Local Plan at least every five years and need to plan at least 15 years ahead. The new Local Plan will replace the adopted Core Strategy and Delivery DPD.
How is a Local Plan prepared?
The process of preparing a Local Plan, involves several stages that are set out in law. The key stages are:
- Evidence gathering and scoping
- Consultation and engagement (Regulation 18)
- Drafting the Plan
- Public consultation on the Submission Draft Plan (Regulation 19)
- Submission of Local Plan to Secretary of State for Examination
- Examination
- Adoption
The Council is currently working towards the Regulation 19 stage of the Local Plan.
National policy is clear that the preparation and review of all policies should be underpinned by relevant and up to-date evidence. This should be adequate and proportionate, focused tightly on supporting and justifying the policies concerned, and take into account relevant market signals. Local plans should also be informed throughout their preparation by a sustainability appraisal that meets the relevant legal requirements.
How is a Local Plan examined?
Before the Plan can be adopted by the Council it is examined by the Planning Inspectorate. The Local Plan will be examined to assess whether it has been prepared in line with legal and procedural requirements, and whether it is sound. Plans are ‘sound’ if they are:
a) Positively prepared – providing a strategy which, as a minimum, seeks to meet the area’s objectively assessed needs; and is informed by agreements with other authorities, so that unmet need from neighbouring areas is accommodated where it is practical to do so and is consistent with achieving sustainable development;
b) Justified – an appropriate strategy, taking into account the reasonable alternatives, and based on proportionate evidence;
c) Effective – deliverable over the plan period, and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic matters that have been dealt with rather than deferred, as evidenced by the statement of common ground; and
d) Consistent with national policy – enabling the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in this Framework and other statements of national planning policy, where relevant. The key national policy document is the National Planning Policy Framework.
How can I stay informed?
The Statement of Community Involvement outlines how and when the Council will involve the local community when preparing the Local Plan and in the determination of planning applications. The statement relates to the entire District of Blaby, and the most relevant version was adopted by Council in December 2020. The Local Development Scheme sets out the proposed timetable and project plan for preparing the Plan. The latest version was approved in February 2025.
To stay informed on the next stages of the New Local Plan, contact planning@blaby.gov.uk if you would like to be added to the Local Plan consultation database. This will ensure that you are informed about the next stages such as the start of the Regulation 19 Consultation.
How can I find out more information?
The Planning Inspectorate has published several useful videos on YouTube about the plan-making process, including:
Local Plans 1: What is a Local Plan and how are they prepared
