Local Plan Timetable
Ribble Valley Borough Council (“the Council”) has given Notice of Intention to Commence Preparation of a New Local Plan which is to be referred to as the Ribble Valley Local Plan.
The Ribble Valley Local Plan will update the adopted Ribble Valley Local Development Framework. It will comprise a single document which sets the overall planning strategy for the borough alongside detailed development management policies. It will need to set a positive and deliverable strategy for addressing development needs including for housing, jobs and infrastructure over the plan period, and make appropriate provisions for safeguarding, enhancing and managing the borough’s built, historic and natural environments. Overall, it will aim to manage growth in a sustainable way while protecting local character and the environment.
The Ribble Valley Local Plan will not address matters in relation to waste and minerals, which remain the joint responsibility of Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
The government has published new legislation and guidance that changes how local plans must be prepared. This includes the need to publish a Local Plan Timetable and keep it up to date.
The Local Plan Timetable outlines the key stages and timescales for preparing the Local Plan, from evidence gathering and public consultation through to submission, examination and adoption. It highlights opportunities for community and stakeholder engagement; keeps everyone informed on when to participate; and provides clarity on the process, key decisions and overall progress.
Below is the timetable for preparing the Ribble Valley Local Plan, which will cover the current administrative area of Ribble Valley Council. This timetable will be reviewed and updated monthly, and as the plan progresses, as required by regulations. Any future versions will be included in the schedule of amendments published alongside the updated timetable.
Pursuant to Regulation 8(2) of The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulation 2026, the Timetable takes effect on Thursday 14 May 2026 and formally replaces the Ribble Valley Local Development Scheme (published 27 November 2025).
| Key Milstone | Brief Description | Target Date | Month(s) in Formal Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notice given of Intention to Commence Local Plan Preparation | Publication of the notice brings the local plan timetable into effect. It commences the minimum 4 month notice period so that stakeholders are aware plan-making is beginning. | 14 May 2026 | - |
| Scoping consultation starts | 6 week public consultation inviting feedback on what the plan should contain and how we should engage when further consultations take place. We will also publish the emerging evidence base that is to be used to support plan making. | 03 July 2026 | - |
| Scoping consultation ends | All comments (representations) on the scoping consultation must be received on or before this date. | 14 Aug 2026 | - |
| Gateway 1 self-assessment of readiness | Publication of a document confirming the plan-making preparation to date, marking formal commencement of the 30-month timeframe to prepare and adopt the local plan. | 14 Sept 2026 | 1 |
| Consultation: Proposed Local Plan Content and Evidence starts | This second formal consultation sets out the proposed vision, aims and objectives, spatial strategy, evidence we have already gathered and evidence we intend to gather and the scope and details of the Strategic Environment Assessment. This consultation will also include information about proposed policies topics, potential allocations and constraints. | 11 Jan 2027 | 5 |
| Consultation: Proposed Local Plan Content and Evidence ends | All comments (representations) to the second formal consultation must be received on or before this date. | 22 Feb 2027 | 6 |
| Gateway 2 | Seeking observations and advice, from an external assessor, to support the early resolution of potential soundness issues with the emerging plan and evidence base including progress towards the requirements required to pass Gateway 3 (the ‘prescribed requirements’). | 12 April 2027 | 8 |
| Gateway 2 advice published | - | 24 May 2027 | 9 |
| Consultation: Proposed Local Plan starts | 8 week consultation on the final version of the local plan and its supporting documents. | 04 Oct 2027 | 14 |
| Consultation: Proposed Local Plan ends | All comments (representations) on the Proposed Local Plan consultation must be received on or before this date. | 29 Nov 2027 | 15 |
| Gateway 3 | Final check, by an external assessor, that the proposed local plan has met the ‘prescribed requirements’ and can proceed to examination. | 01 Feb 2028 | 18 |
| Gateway 3 advice published | - | 28 Feb 2028 | 18 |
| Local Plan submission | The proposed Local Plan is submitted for an independent Examination carried out by a Planning Inspector. | 27 March 2028 | 19 |
| Local Plan Examination | The purpose of the examination is to determine whether it is reasonable to conclude that the local plan is sound, in line with the tests of soundness set out in National Policy. The Examination should last no longer than 6 months. | 27 March 2028 to 28 Sept 2028 |
20 to 25 |
| Exam recommendations published | - | 29 Sept 2028 | 25 |
| Local Plan adoption | Publication of Local Plan and adoption statement. | 30 Nov 2028 | 27 |
The Local Plan Timetable is available to view in full here.
Copies are also made available for inspection at:
- Ribble Valley Borough Council Offices, Church Walk, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 2RA during office hours (Monday to Friday 8:45am to 5pm)
- All libraries within the Ribble Valley during normal working hours. Please view our library locations and opening times here
First published: Thursday 14 May 2026
Last updated: Thursday 14 May 2026