England · National documents
Plan-making
Explains local plan preparation, evidence, consultation and examination under the planning framework addressed by this guidance.
AI-generated summaries of the linked official sources; not editorially reviewed. Sources and limits
Where this document applies
England: relevance depends on the proposal, site and planning process.
Plan-making (official source, opens in a new tab) · Reference ID 61-001-20190315
Check which plan-making system the authority is using
This chapter now directs plans under the new system to the separate create-or-update-a-local-plan guidance. It describes the role of the development plan, but its retained procedural content should not be assumed to cover the new system.
Read the official source (official source, opens in a new tab) · Reference ID 61-001-20190315
Limits and checks
- This national source does not establish the local policies, designations or site facts that apply to an individual proposal.
- Some guidance predates the August 2026 Framework and may refer to earlier policy numbering. Read it with the current Framework and any applicable transition provisions.
Read alongside this document
Put the national source in your local context
Start with the exact refusal reason. Note the policy and paragraph it cites, then check your authority’s policy summary and the facts discussed in relevant appeal decisions. Each appeal turns on its own facts and does not predict another outcome.