A new digital service (GOV.UK) for Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) called Submit Development Plans is under construction now and will be available for the first new system local plans as they reach Gateway 2 in early 2027. Ben Duckworth, Digital Lead for this service, outlines what to expect from our first digital service for plans and your chance to tell the team developing it what works best for you.
As the way that plans move through examination is changing, at the Planning Inspectorate we are building a service to make the submission and management of the new local plan simpler and faster. In 2027 our new portal will go live replacing what has traditionally been a very ‘manual’ system of emails and spreadsheets with clearer, more visible tracking at each stage. LPAs will be able to check their local plan’s progress at any time and maintain an online record of every stage of their examination. The service will be secure and LPAs can give access to a range of account holders – making collaboration and oversight easier.
Examination websites - which authorities already know well - will remain part of the picture
This matters now because early 2027 isn't far off. The first cohort of authorities working through the new system will reach Gateway 2 within months, making this an important window for engagement while the service is still being shaped. Ben - who presented on the new system in the Plan, Prepare and Progress new local plan system webinar, has said the development process involves ongoing testing with LPAs and inspectors, and that examination websites - which authorities already know well - will remain part of the picture.
We want your feedback
If your authority will reach Gateway 2 in the new system next year and you have not already signed up to take part in our user testing, then we would love to speak to you.
Find out more about user testing here: Volunteer to participate in research for Digital Planning with MHCLG and PINS – Fill in form
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