Lancaster District Local Plan 2029-2044
Local Plan explainer
The Local Plan system has recently changed, affecting how Local Plans are prepared, including the timetable, evidence requirements, and approaches to engagement and consultation. The new regulations (Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026) came into force on 25 March 2026. This means we have had to review and replace our original plan‑making timetable to ensure we meet the new legal requirements
Lancaster District Local Plan Notice of Intention to Commence
On 7 May 2026, Lancaster City Council gave Notice of the Intention to Commence the Lancaster District Local Plan. This notice is a required stage in the new plan making system and marks the formal start of the Lancaster District Local Plan process.
Local Plan timetable
The new Local Plan Timetable sets out the key milestones for preparing the plan. The Local Plan timetable may change over time. We will update it as required by the Regulations and publish any changes.
The timetable can also be viewed at our principal offices during office opening hours:
- Lancaster Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1PJ
- Morecambe Town Hall, Marine Rd E, Morecambe LA4 5AF
Approved data standard
We must follow the approved data standard to publish our local plan timetable so that we meet the requirements of the Planning Data (England) Regulations 2026. This data is provided under the Open Government Licence.
What the Local Plan will cover
The Lancaster District Local Plan for 2029-2044 will be a single Local Plan for the whole of the district except for the part within the Yorkshire Dales National Park where planning responsibilities are discharged by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Planning Authority.
Every Planning Authority must have a Local Plan that sets out what can be built and where building should take place over a period of at least 15 years.
Local Plans hold important policies to support environmental protection, jobs and the economy. They also help to decide where investment is needed for infrastructure like roads, schools and health services.
The Local Plan should:
- include land for housing and employment development
- ensure an appropriate range of house types
- support the economy and create employment opportunities
- identify necessary infrastructure improvements to support the development proposed
- safeguard heritage, culture, recreation and environmental assets
Until the Lancaster District Local Plan 2044 is adopted, the current Local Plan documents remain part of the Development Plan.
Evidence gathering and consultation timing
Some early evidence for the Local Plan has already been completed or is underway. You can:
- sign up to the local plan mailing list for updates, or
- check the evidence hub page on our Local Plan Hub (link below)