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 adopted by February 2028.

Below is the current timetable for preparing Fenland 50. This may be updated as the plan progresses, but it provides a clear picture of when and how people can get involved.

Key stages and dates  

Early work: January - May 2026 

During this stage we will: 

• gather baseline information about Fenland 
• review existing evidence 
• start identifying key issues and opportunities.

We will also:

• publish our notice to commence - 13 January 2026
• undertake an initial call for sites (4 weeks) starting in January 2026
• undertake a scoping consultation (4 weeks) starting in January 2026. 

The scoping consultation is the first opportunity to have your say.  We will run a short public survey to understand:

• what people value about Fenland today
• what they think needs to improve 
• what kind of places they want towns and villages to become 
• what should guide decisions about new development.

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

Gateway 1 - start of the formal plan process - May 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: May - December 2026 

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) - starting in November 2026. 

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 - January 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: January-July 2027 

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 starting in May 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 - July 2027 

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 - September 2027 

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 - March 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 reflects our current programme and ambition to adopt Fenland 50 by March 2028. It will be kept under review and updated if necessary. 

Any changes will be published on this page and reflected in the Local Plan timetable.