We have prepared a local plan timetable to reflect the updated national plan-making requirements and to provide a clear programme for preparing the North Yorkshire Local Plan. The timetable was both approved by our Executive and took effect on 16 June 2026 and supersedes the previous local development scheme. The timetable will be updated as work on the local plan progresses.
Matters the North Yorkshire Local Plan will deal with
The matters that the plan will deal with include policy areas and the allocation and designation of sites including the following themes:
- creating a prosperous economy
- creating healthy and sustainable communities
- achieving environmental resilience and achieving a high-quality environment
- achieving high quality design
The plan will not deal with matters relating to minerals and waste as this will be the subject of a separate plan.
The geographical area the North Yorkshire Local Plan will cover
The plan will cover the area of North Yorkshire but excludes the following areas that are covered under separate local plans:
- North York Moors National Park area
- Yorkshire Dales National Park area
Supplementary plans to be prepared
At the time of adopting this timetable we have not committed to preparing any supplementary plans.
Key milestone dates
These are set out below in accordance with the regulations and national guidance.
As a result of the new national guidance our overall timetable will aim for the adoption of the North Yorkshire Local Plan by October 2029. This aligns with the adoption date under the previous plan-making system as set out in the 2025 Local Development Scheme.
Pre-plan preparation - getting ready
| Date | Milestone | Date completed |
|---|---|---|
| 16 June 2026 | Approval and publication of the North Yorkshire Local Plan Timetable, setting out the commencement, key milestones and proposed adoption date for the local plan under the new plan-making system. | 16 June 2026 |
| 2 October 2026 | Publish the notice of intention to commence North Yorkshire Local Plan preparation. This formal stage also provides advance notice of the forthcoming scoping consultation. | Yet to happen |
| 23 October 2026 | Start of the scoping consultation. This will invite comments on what the local plan should contain and how we should engage during later stages. | Yet to happen |
| 4 December 2026 | End of the scoping consultation. Representations must be received by this date. | Yet to happen |
| 30 April 2027 | Gateway one self-assessment summary: publication of our self-assessment confirming that the initial procedural requirements have been completed and that we are ready to proceed into the formal 30-month plan-making period. | Yet to happen |
Preparing the plan
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 4 September 2027 | Start of the content and evidence consultation. This will consult on the proposed content of the local plan and supporting evidence, including the emerging vision, aims and objectives, spatial strategy, policy topics, constraints and the scope of the strategic environmental assessment. |
| 15 October 2027 | End of the content and evidence consultation. Representations must be received by this date. |
| 5 May 2028 | Gateway two assessment: we will seek observations and advice from the Planning Inspectorate on the emerging local plan and supporting evidence before progressing to the proposed local plan consultation. |
| 29 September 2028 | Start of the proposed local plan consultation. This will consult on the proposed local plan before submission, including the proposed policies and site allocations. |
| 24 November 2028 | End of the proposed local plan consultation. Representations must be received by this date. |
| 16 February 2029 | Gateway three assessment: we will seek observations and advice from the Planning Inspectorate before submitting the proposed local plan for independent examination. |
Examination
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 30 March 2029 | Submission of the proposed North Yorkshire Local Plan. We will submit the proposed local plan to the Secretary of State for independent examination by a planning inspector. |
Adoption
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 26 October 2029 | Adoption of the North Yorkshire Local Plan. Subject to the outcome of the examination, we will adopt the local plan as part of the statutory development plan for North Yorkshire. |
A copy of the local plan timetable is available to view during normal office hours at our local offices.
We must follow the approved data standard to publish the local plan and plan timetable to meet the requirements of the Planning Data (England) Regulations 2026:
This data is provided under the Open Government Licence format which you can find out more about on their website.