2024: a Year in which Significant Progress is Made on Local Plans?
Mark Edgerley - Associate Director, Boyer
Due to delays in Government reforms and political uncertainty in 2023, we saw a large number of local planning authorities across all parts of the country delaying or pausing work on their Local Plan. Some authorities were at very early stages but others were at relatively advanced stages. Across the development industry these delays led to frustrations as opportunities are then halted and investment in areas potentially lost due to other external factors.
Authorities can not delay forever and at some point, the pauses will stop. This should result in 2024 becoming a year in which significant progress is made on Local Plans. After a period of delays, the future should see consultations, engagement and proactive collaboration between authorities, communities, landowners and developers working together to deliver the Local Plans to guide future growth and investments in an area.