Timetable and Processes
Local Plan Timetable
The timetable for the preparation of our Local Plan came into effect on Tuesday 30th June 2026.
The Local Plan timetable sets out the key milestones for the preparation of the Sandwell Local Plan 2 (2026 – 2044) (SLP 2). It will ensure that the timetable for the Plan and the points at which the public can get involved are clearly set out.
The Local Plan Timetable has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of The Town and County Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 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 SLP 2 will set out the spatial vision and strategic objectives for the future development of Sandwell up to 2044. It will contain policies and site allocations to deliver these objectives, and a framework for monitoring and implementation.
Supplementary Plan
Sandwell Council will also be producing a Supplementary Plan. The Supplementary Plan will be a Design Code that will establish a set of rules which all new development in the whole of the borough must adhere to through the planning process.
Plan-making process
The formal stage of plan making is required to be completed within a 30-month time period.
A notice of the intention to commence plan preparation is required at least four months before the start of this period. This notice was published alongside this timetable on 30th June 2026.
The 30-month period will begin on 30th October 2026, following publication of the Gateway 1 self-assessment summary.
Local Plan 2026 – 2044 Timetable
|
Local Plan Stage |
Description of Stage |
Date |
|
Notice of intention to commence 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) |
30th June 2026 |
|
Start of Scoping consultation |
Our Local Plan Scoping Consultation will take place, for at least six weeks, where representations (comments) will be invited. In accordance with Regulation 20(1), 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 |
27th July 2026 |
|
End of Scoping consultation |
All representations on the Scoping Consultation must be received on or before this date in accordance with regulation 20(4) (scoping consultation) |
11th September 2026 |
|
Gateway 1 (self-assessment) – summary published |
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). |
30th October 2026 |
|
Start of 6 week consultation on proposed plan content and evidence |
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. |
1st January 2027 |
|
End of 6 week consultation on proposed plan content and evidence |
All representations must be received on or before this date. authority in accordance with regulation 23(4) |
1st February 2027 |
|
Gateway 2 – observations and advice sought |
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. Planning Inspectorate under section 15CA(3) of the Act in accordance with regulation 26. |
1st September to 1st October 2027 |
|
Start of 8 week consultation on proposed draft plan |
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. |
1st February 2028 |
|
End of 8 week consultation on proposed draft plan |
All representations must be received on or before this date. authority in accordance with regulation 27(4) |
1st March 2028 |
|
Gateway 3 – observations and advice sought |
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 date on which observations and advice will be sought under section 15CA(3) of the act in accordance with regulation 31 |
1st July to 1st August 2028 |
|
Submission of proposed local plan to the secretary of State for independent examination |
We will submit the Local Plan for Examination. The Local Plan will be examined against the tests of soundness set out in national policy. under section 15d(1) of the Act. |
1st September 2028 to 1st March 2029 |
|
Adoption of proposed local plan |
Adoption of the Local Plan under section 15EA of the Act |
1st April 2029 |
Design Code Supplementary Plan Timetable
|
Supplementary Plan Stage |
Description of Stage |
Date |
|
Notice of intention to commence supplementary plan preparation |
We will also publish the Notice of Intention to Commence Local Plan Preparation under Regulation 68(1) |
3rd August 2026 |
|
Start of consultation on the proposed supplementary plan.
|
Our Consultation on the proposed supplementary plan will take place, for at least six weeks, where representations (comments) will be invited. Regulation 70(1)(a) |
2nd February 2027 |
|
End of consultation on the proposed supplementary plan. |
All representations must be received on or before this date. Regulation 70(6) |
16th March 2027 |
|
Submit the supplementary plan for independent examination |
We will submit the supplementary plan for independent examination Section 15DB(1) LURA |
24th May 2027 |
|
Adoption of the supplementary plan |
Adoption of the supplementary plan. Section 15EA |
24th February 2028 |
Updating the Local Plan timetable
In accordance with Regulation 6 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026, the council will review the Local Plan timetable monthly from the date of publication and update it when changes are required.
The Council will also update the Local Plan Timetable on the same day that the following stages are reached:
- Publication of Gateway 1 self-assessment
- Publication of Gateway 2 advice
- Publication of Gateway 3 advice
- Publication of the recommendations and reasons of the examiner following the examination of the plan
The timetable will also be updated where:
- Additional consultation stages are introduced
- Gateway 3 needs to be repeated; or
- The Council decides to withdraw or revoke the Plan.
A separate schedule will be maintained to record all updates to the timetable.
Approved data standard
In accordance with the Planning Data (England) Regulations 2026, the local plan timetable is also published below as tabular data using the approved data standard.