Fenland 50 - Local Plan Timetable

Fenland District Council is preparing a new Local Plan for the district, called Fenland 50. The plan will guide how Fenland grows and changes up to 2050. 

The government has introduced a new, clearer plan-making process with set stages (called gateways) and an expected overall timescale of around 30 months. Fenland 50 will follow this approach, but with a compressed programme to allow the plan to be submitted in March 2028 and adopted by October 2028.

The Council had published an indicative timetable ahead of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) Regulations being made this has now been updated to ensure conformity with the relevant regulations and will be reviewed monthly.

Key stages and dates  

Early work: January - July 2026 

We:

• published our original notice to commence on 13 January 2026 - this has now been reissued in accordance with the relevant regulations.
• undertook an initial scoping consultation from 28 January - 23 March 2026 
• are undertaking an initial call for sites which will run from 5 March to 30 April 2026.

We will also:

• Publish a new Notice of Intention to Commence Local Plan Preparation (Regulation 19) - 25 March 2026
• Undertake a follow up statutory scoping consultation (minimum of 4 weeks) - May-June 2026.

This early engagement helps shape the plan before any options or decisions are drafted.

Gateway 1 - Self Assessment Summary Published - 27 July 2026

Gateway 1 marks the formal start of the new Local Plan process under government rules. 

By this point we will: 

• confirm the scope of Fenland 50
• publish a clear timetable for preparing the plan
• set out how communities and stakeholders will be involved. 

Once Gateway 1 is passed, the plan enters the main 30-month preparation period.

Shaping the Plan: July 2026 - April 2027

During this stage we will:

• develop the overall vision and objectives for Fenland 50
• explore growth options and spatial approaches 
• continue gathering and updating technical evidence 
• work with infrastructure providers, neighbouring authorities and key stakeholders.

Targeted engagement on things like the emerging vision, plan objectives and strategic direction with key stakeholders may take place as ideas and options are developed.   

We will also undertake an initial proposals consultation (6 weeks minimum) under Regulation 23 - February-March 2027. 

This is the first formal consultation on the draft Fenland 50 Local Plan. 

During this stage we will publish for comment: 

• a draft vision along with our plan aims and objectives
• our proposed spatial strategy
• a summary of the evidence you intend to gather and details of any evidence you have already gathered
• any other elements we would like to consult on, which may include initial draft policies.

We will also consult on the level of detail and scope of our environmental report and run an additional call for sites exercise at the same time.

Gateway 2 - Preferred strategy and policies - April 2027 

Gateway 2 focuses on whether the plan's direction is sound before it is finalised. 

By this stage we expect to have:

• a clear growth strategy
• draft policy directions  
• evidence showing how the plan meets national requirements and local priorities
• a document setting out a summary of the consultation responses received to date and how these have informed our emerging approach.

This gateway helps reduce risk later in the process and ensures the plan is on track.

Policy drafting and additional evidence gathering: April 2027 - January 2028

During this stage, we will move from ideas and options to a more complete draft of the Local Plan. 

This work will include:

• drafting planning policies that set out how development should happen in Fenland
• refining the growth strategy and approach for different towns and villages 
• completing and updating technical evidence where needed, including infrastructure, housing and environmental studies 
• continuing to work with infrastructure providers, neighbouring authorities and key stakeholders.

Targeted engagement on things like the policy directions and site selection with key stakeholders may also take place as policies and site allocations are developed.   

We will also undertake a publication draft consultation (8 weeks) - October-December 2027

This is the final formal consultation on the draft Fenland 50 Local Plan. 

During this stage the full draft plan will be published alongside a map of proposed local plan policies, site allocations and designations and details of the evidence we have gathered. 

We will also consult on our environmental report at the same time as the publication draft.

Gateway 3 - Submission readiness - January 2028 

Gateway 3 confirms that the plan is ready to be submitted for examination. 

This includes checks that:

• the plan meets legal requirements
• the evidence base is complete 
• consultation has been carried out properly.

Submission and Examination - March 2028 

Fenland 50 will be submitted to the Secretary of State and examined by an independent Planning Inspector. 

The examination will: 

• consider whether the plan is sound and legally compliant 
• include public hearing sessions 
• consider any proposed main modifications if required.

Adoption - October 2028  

Following a successful examination, Fenland District Council will consider adopting Fenland 50. 

Once adopted, the plan will:

• become the main basis for deciding planning applications
• guide development and investment across Fenland up to 2050.

Keeping the timetable under review 

This timetable was updated on 25 March 2026. It reflects our current programme and ambition to submit Fenland 50 for examination in March 2028. It will be kept under review and updated monthly.