Ministerial letter on local plan examinations welcomed

Ministerial letter on local plan examinations welcomed
The Planning Inspectorate welcomes the letter from Minister Matthew Pennycook MP on local plan examinations ahead of the December 2026 submission deadline.
The letter of 15 July builds on previous correspondence and requests that our inspectors take a pragmatic and proportionate approach when assessing viability and deliverability evidence. This letter has been shared with our inspectors.
With many local planning authorities submitting plans under the legacy system in the coming months, the Minister’s letter requests than inspectors assess viability and deliverability across the full plan period, rather than treating current economic conditions as a barrier to sound plans progressing. The Inspectorate shares the government’s ambition for every community to have an up-to-date local plan and remains committed to achieving this goal.
Graham Stallwood, Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate, said:
We welcome this clear and timely letter from the Minister. We have invested significantly in our capacity and capability to support local plan reform, including recruiting more than 30 local plans inspectors, transforming our digital services, and strengthening engagement and support for local planning authorities.
We are committed to playing our full part in delivering the Government’s planning ambitions. We will continue to work constructively with local authorities and partners across the planning sector to support the adoption of sound local plans.
Further information
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Read the Minister’s letter on GOV.UK Local Plan examinations: letter to the Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate (July 2026) - GOV.UK
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Local plan examinations: Planning Inspectorate guidance Local plans: the examination process legacy and new system - GOV.UK
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Create or update a local plan: GOV.UK guidance Create or update a local plan using the new system - GOV.UK