Council endorsed a recommendation for a full update of the Stockton on Tees Local Plan in January 2024. Fundamental changes to the planning making system have occurred through the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (“The Act”) and subsequently The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.
Combined ‘The Act’ and ‘Regulations’ provide clarity in relation to the process and requirements for progressing a Local Plan. The report will set out the councils next steps in preparing a Local Plan including the approach to meeting requirements to:
· Give notice of our intention to commence plan making by the required deadline of 31st December 2026
· Publishing our Gateway 1 self-assessment by 30th April 2027 which would mark the start of the 30-month plan-making timetable
It requires Council to make the executive decision to commence Local Plan preparation.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 15/04/2026
Decision Type: Non-Executive (Council);
Decision due: 20 May 2026 by Council
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing
Lead director: Director of Regeneration & Inclusive Growth
Contact: Simon Grundy, Planning Services Manager Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected].
Consultation process
Statutory notices and consultation to be undertaken in accordance with regulations.
Consultees
The Local Plan process will be subject to statutory consultation at various stages of its preparation in accordance with the associated regulations.
Making Representations: planningpolicy@stockton.gov.uk
Notes/Comments: Yes EPIA this will be fully considered and undertaken during the development of the Local Plan and associated evidence base, should the relevant authorisation be given to commence the Local Plan.