Move to new, up-to-date Local Plan system for SKDC

South Kesteven District Council is to move to the Government's new Local Plan system.

A Local Plan sets out the planning framework for the next 20 years for housing provision, the economy, town centres, infrastructure provision and the environment.

It also sets out policies by which planning applications will be determined, in addition to allocating land for housing, employment and retail uses.

The new system offers a streamlined timescale to bring a new Local Plan forward more efficiently, and will build on the work already done to bring the existing document up to date by South Kesteven planning officers.

Cllr Phil Dilks, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: "Moving to the new Local Plan system gives us an opportunity to look ahead and make sure we have the right plan in place for South Kesteven's future.

"We have already undertaken a significant amount of work, which will provide a strong foundation as we develop a new Local Plan.

"Our aim is to ensure future growth is planned carefully, with new homes, jobs and infrastructure delivered in the right places and in a way that works for our communities."

The move to the new system would not affect current planning applications. Until a new Local Plan is adopted, national planning policy requirements will continue to be considered alongside the council's existing policies when determining planning applications.

Recent work on developing a refreshed Local Plan will cease, and the Council will transition to the new style of Local Plan preparation, with the next steps to be formally announced.

A new Local Plan expected to be adopted by August 2029. Existing evidence and supporting work already prepared will be rolled forward to inform the new Plan.

The Council will now review and update its approach to planning for the future and prepare a new Local Plan that better reflects the needs and ambitions of communities across South Kesteven. Officers will look afresh at important elements such as where future housing and economic growth should take place.

It will help the council align with the Government's updated planning system and provide a clear route towards adopting a new Local Plan.

The existing adopted plan remains in place and will continue to guide planning decisions while work takes place.

The current Local Plan is available to view online at: https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/planning-building-control/planning-policy-local-plans/south-kesteven-local-plan