The timetable for the preparation of our Local Plan comes into effect on Wednesday 3 June 2026.
Please note: We have listed the first day of the month for stages where we don't know their exact dates yet. We will update the timetable with specific dates when we have them.
The Regulations referred to in the timetable are The Town and County Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.
| Local Plan Stage | Description of Stage | When |
|---|---|---|
| Publish Local Plan Timetable, and Notice of Intention to Commence Local Plan Preparation |
We will publish our timetable, in accordance with new plan-making regulations and the government template. We will review the timetable once a month, and update it when we need to. We will also publish the Notice of Intention to Commence Local Plan Preparation under Regulation 19 (1). |
Wednesday 3 June 2026 |
| Local Plan Scoping Consultation starts | Our Local Plan Scoping Consultation will take place, for at least six weeks, where representations (comments) will be invited. In accordance with Regulation 20 (4), the consultation will invite feedback on things like how we will engage with the public and stakeholders throughout the plan-making process, and what the Local Plan should include. | Friday 5 June 2026 |
| Local Plan Scoping Consultation Ends | All representations on the Scoping Consultation must be received on or before this date. | Friday 31 July 2026 |
| Gateway 1: Publication of self-assessment summary | We will publish a document that sets out how we have got ready for plan-making. This will mark the start of the 30-month timeframe for plan-making (in accordance with Regulation 21 (3)). | 1 October 2026 |
| Consultation on proposed Local Plan Content and Evidence starts |
We will run a consultation, for at least six weeks, on the proposed Local Plan content and evidence - including the draft vision, any proposed aims and objectives, the proposed spatial strategy, a summary of the evidence we intend to gather and have gathered already, and initial draft policies written in accordance with Regulation 23. Date the notice will be published. |
1 January 2027 |
| Consultation on proposed Local Plan Content and Evidence ends | All representations must be received on or before this date. | 1 February 2027 |
| Gateway 2 | We will seek observations from the Planning Inspectorate on the draft Local Plan and its supporting evidence, and progress towards the 'prescribed requirements'. Gateway 2 will take between four to six weeks, in accordance with Regulation 26. | 1 September to 1 October 2027 |
| Consultation on proposed Local Plan starts |
We will run a consultation, for at least eight weeks, on the proposed Local Plan and supporting documents. This is in accordance with Regulation 27. Date the notice will be published. |
1 February 2028 |
| Consultation on proposed Local Plan ends | All representations must be received on or before this date. | 1 March 2028 |
| Gateway 3 | The Local Plan will be tested to see that it has met its 'prescribed requirements' and can go ahead to Examination. In accordance with Regulation 31, Gateway 3 will take between four to six weeks. | 1 July to 1 August 2028 |
| Submission of Local Plan for Examination | We will submit the Local Plan for Examination. | 1 September 2028 |
| Examination | The Local Plan will be examined against the tests of soundness set out in national policy. | 1 October 2028 to 1 March 2029 |
| Adoption | Adoption of the Local Plan. | 1 April 2029 |
The Joint Local Plan will cover the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2045.
It will replace the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan Part 1 (2023), and the remaining saved policies from the Stowmarket Area Action Plan (2013).
The Plan will include a vision, objectives, policies and site allocations.
It will not cover minerals and waste, as Suffolk County Council is the relevant planning authority for these matters.
The Local Plan will cover the administrative districts of Babergh and Mid Suffolk.
Currently, there are no plans to prepare any Supplementary Plans, or any Joint Supplementary Plans.
The Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan Timetable is prepared and published in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) and The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.
The timetable comes into effect on Wednesday 3 June 2026.
You can also access the timetable from:
Printed copies of this Local Plan Timetable can be made available at cost price.
You can also: