NPPF PM7: Initiating plan-making for local plans and minerals and waste plans

PM7: Initiating plan-making for local plans and minerals and waste plans 1. Prior to initiating the preparation of a local plan or minerals and waste plan, planning authorities should, with reference to national guidance15, design an approach to preparing and adopting the plan within 30 months. This should involve: a. Setting realistic timings for key milestones and reflecting these in the local plan or minerals and waste plan timetable, which thereafter must be updated at prescribed points; b. Identifying how the plan and associated documents will be signed off expediently and efficiently at appropriate points in its development; c. Using a project initiation document to develop and collate key information about how the plan will be resourced, managed and consulted on throughout its preparation; and d. Planning regular engagement with key stakeholders who are likely to be critical to the delivery of the plan. 2. When considering the scope of a local plan or minerals and waste plan, planning authorities should use their four-year plan evaluation report (or other relevant monitoring information, where necessary) to identify and consider what preexisting plan policies and content should be wholly replaced, amended or carried forward without change, though all elements will be subject to consultation and examination.