STAGES OF PLAN PRODUCTION

Stage	Steps (to be caried out sequentially)	Timeframe
“Get Ready”  Before the 30-month process starts	Prepare and publish Local Plan Timetable	Before notice
	Give notice of commencement of plan-making process – at least 4 months’ notice must be given	Publish alongside LP Timetable
	‘Scoping’ consultation – engagement, plan content, vision and required evidence	No minimum period
	Pass through Gateway 1 (Readiness Check) – focus on scope, strategic priorities, project management and governance arrangements	Before 30^th April 2027
“Prepare the Plan”  Months 1 to 23	Publish summary of ‘Scoping’ consultation
	‘Proposed Content and Evidence’ consultation – vision, aims and objectives, spatial strategy, evidence summary, policies + allocations optional	6-week minimum
	Publish summary of “Proposed Content and Evidence” consultation
	Pass through Gateway 2 (Progress Review) - checking progress with the planning inspectorate, providing feedback on potential soundness issues	4-6 weeks
	‘Proposed Local Plan’ consultation – version the Council intends to submit – consult combined authority (Spatial Development Strategy alignment)	8-week minimum
	Publish summary of “Proposed Plan” consultation
	Pass through Gateway 3 (Final Validation) – stop / go check before examination to confirm the plan meets legal and procedural requirements	4-6 weeks
“Examination”  Months 24 to 29	Submit the Plan for Examination
	Take part in the Examination – modify plan if needed (mods will extend 30-month timeline)
“Adoption”  Month 30	Get full Council approval to adopt plan
	Publish the Plan and the adoption statement