What Happens Next
You responded to the consultation. Now what?
Where We Are Now
The Regulation 18 "Preferred Options" consultation closed on 2 January 2026.
Council Reviews Responses
The Council received over 3,500 comments from more than 2,000 respondents - described as "unprecedented" engagement. Over 200 sites were submitted through the Call for Sites process. A summary was published in March 2026.
Evidence Updates
Technical studies are being finalised: infrastructure assessments, viability testing, transport modelling. These will inform which sites make it into the final plan.
Site Selection
The Council decides which specific sites will be allocated for development. Some sites from Reg 18 may be dropped; others may be refined or added.
Reg 19 Consultation Opens
Full Council will consider the draft plan on 12 August 2026. If approved, the Reg 19 consultation opens the week of 24 August 2026. Your comments go directly to the Inspector.
The Local Plan Journey
Technical studies on housing need, site suitability, infrastructure capacity
Initial consultation on key challenges and options
Consultation on the emerging approach
Consultation on the Council's preferred development strategy
Over 3,500 comments from 2,000+ respondents being analysed. 200+ sites submitted through Call for Sites.
Full Council meeting to review the next draft plan and technical evidence before Reg 19 consultation
Formal consultation on the draft plan - your comments go to the Inspector
Plan submitted to the Planning Inspectorate
Independent Inspector examines the plan
Plan becomes the basis for planning decisions until 2043
Why Regulation 19 Matters More
| Reg 18 (Closed) | Reg 19 (Coming) | |
|---|---|---|
| Question asked | "What do you think?" | "Is this plan sound and legal?" |
| Who sees your comments | Council officers only | Planning Inspector |
| Right to speak at hearing | No | Yes (if seeking changes) |
| Format required | General views | Must address "soundness" tests |
The Four Tests of Soundness
At Reg 19, your comments should explain which test(s) the plan fails:
Does it genuinely seek to meet the area's needs?
Is this the most appropriate strategy based on evidence?
Can it actually be delivered? Will infrastructure be provided?
Does it align with the National Planning Policy Framework?
How to Prepare for Reg 19
Keep Your Reg 18 Response
Your Reg 18 comments are a starting point. At Reg 19, you'll reframe them around the soundness tests.
Watch for New Evidence
Updated traffic assessments, infrastructure plans, and viability studies will be published. These may support your case.
Gather Your Own Evidence
Photos of flooding, traffic queues, infrastructure problems. Local knowledge the Council may not have captured.
Connect with Your Community
Parish councils, community groups, and neighbours. Coordinated responses can be more effective than individual ones.
Key Dates
These are the Council's target dates and may change. We'll update this page when dates are confirmed.
Don't Miss Regulation 19
Sign up for updates and we'll notify you when the consultation opens.
Last updated: 18 April 2026. Sources: CDC Local Plan page, GOV.UK guidance on Local Plan examinations.