21/08/2026
NEW LOCAL PLAN
North Lincolnshire Council has commenced preparation of a new Local Plan as a transition to Central Government's new plan-making framework, introduced through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act and the Town and Country Planning (Local Plans) (England) Regulations 2026.
The new framework is designed to deliver Local Plans more quickly through a simpler, more streamlined process.
As part of this transition North Lincolnshire Council has now published:
• The Notice of Intention to Commence Local Plan Preparation and Local Plan Timetable (published 28 July 2026).
• The Scoping Consultation and associated notice (published 4 August 2026), marking the first stage of engagement on the new Local Plan.
Why is this important?
The new Local Plan will provide the long-term vision for how North Lincolnshire grows and develops. It will identify where future housing, employment, infrastructure and community facilities should be located, while protecting and enhancing the area's environment, heritage and distinctive character.
Once adopted, the Local Plan will become the primary framework for determining planning applications and guiding future investment across North Lincolnshire.
It will replace the current development plan, which comprises the following:
• Saved policies of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan (2003).
• Core Strategy (2011).
• Housing and Employment Land Allocations Development Plan Document (2016).
• Lincolnshire Lakes Area Action Plan (2016).
Why is North Lincolnshire Council preparing a new Local Plan?
Central Government introduced a new plan-making framework in November 2025 to create a faster, more efficient and more consistent approach to preparing Local Plans.
As part of the transition to this new system, councils are required to prepare new-style Local Plans in accordance with the new legislation and regulations.
The current development plan is now more than five years old and therefore needs updating to reflect current national policy, local priorities and future growth.
Before entering the new mandatory 30-month plan preparation period, North Lincolnshire Council must complete an initial readiness stage known as Gateway 1.
Publishing the Notice of Intention, Local Plan Timetable and undertaking this Scoping Consultation are key requirements of that process.
Have your say
North Lincolnshire Council wants to hear from residents, businesses, developers, landowners, infrastructure providers, community organisations and anyone with an interest in the future of North Lincolnshire.
You can view the Notice of Intention to commence Local Plan preparation, access the Local Plan Timetable and review and submit comments on the Scoping Consultation by visiting the North Lincolnshire Local Plan website.
https://localplan.northlincs.gov.uk/
Your views at this early stage will help shape the scope and content of the new Local Plan and inform how future consultation should be undertaken.
The Scoping Consultation runs from Tuesday 4 August 2026 until Tuesday 1 September 2026.
If you have any questions, please email the Planning Policy Team at [email protected].
Thank you for taking the time to help shape the future of North Lincolnshire.
North Lincolnshire Council is preparing a new single Local Plan which sets out a vision and objectives for the future development of North Lincolnshire.
