Journey to the new Adur Local Plan

Adur Local Plan update - 2026

Progressing to the new plan-making system

Adur District Council will soon formally commence the preparation of a new local plan in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026. These regulations, which came into force on 25th March 2026, introduce a streamlined plan-making system designed to be faster, clearer, and more accessible.

The new system requires local authorities to prepare and adopt plans within a 30-month period, structured around defined 'gateways'. This replaces the previous system and focuses on ensuring local plans are evidence-based, responsive to national policy, and delivered efficiently.

Key evidence documents which have been prepared recently to support the Adur Local Plan will form part of the evidence base, where it is still up-to-date and consistent with national planning policy.

Understanding the planning gateways

Gateways are 'checkpoints' in the 30-month plan-making process where the council pauses to assess progress and receive feedback. There are three gateways in total:

Gateway 1: the readiness check: Before the 30-month clock starts, the council completes a self-assessment to prove they are organised and ready to start the local plan.
Gateway 2: the mid-process review: This is the advisory stage where an independent expert (Planning Inspector) reviews the draft plan and provides feedback.
Gateway 3: the final check: This is the 'final sign-off' where the council provides all the evidence to the Inspector and demonstrates that it meets the legal requirements before the final examination.

Publish local plan timetable

We are required to publish a user-friendly version of the local plan timetable before or on the same day as issuing the 'notice of intention to commence'. This will be available on our website and will detail the plan's scope, consultations and key milestones.

We will review the timetable regularly and publish any updates or changes promptly so you always know where things stand.

Notice of intention to commence

In line with the 2026 Regulations, we are required to publish a 'notice of intention to commence' plan preparation by no later than the end of December 2026.

This notice serves as a formal declaration of our intent to begin the plan-making process and is a statutory requirement to ensure transparency and community engagement.

We must publish this notice at least four months before starting 'gateway 1', ensuring the public are fully informed and engaged throughout the process.