What is a local plan?

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Local Plans set the blueprint for future development in each local authority area. They guide where new housing, employment space, infrastructure and community facilities will go — and where development will be restricted. Pyramid Planning offers independent and bespoke support through every stage of this process.

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How can Pyramid Planning help?

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Land Promotion and Call for Sites - When councils prepare a new Local Plan, they often invite landowners to submit potential development land through a process known as the “Call for Sites.” This is a key opportunity to promote land for future development. At Pyramid Planning, we help landowners prepare and submit these site promotion bids. We handle the full process — from mapping the site and completing submission forms to writing a clear and robust planning justification. We also monitor how your land is assessed in the council’s evidence base (such as the SHELAA) and continue to represent your interests through later consultation stages.

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Local and Neighbourhood Plan Representations and Objections  - Once a draft Local or Neighbourhood Plan is published, there are opportunities to comment or object. We can prepare written representations on your behalf to support or challenge proposed policies, site allocations, or designations. This includes objecting to restrictive policies, arguing for your land to be included for development, or opposing policies that could impact your property or area. Whether you're a landowner, developer, resident or parish council, we can ensure your voice is clearly and professionally heard during the consultation process.

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Housing Land Supply and Delivery Analysis - Councils are required to demonstrate a deliverable five-year supply of housing land. If they cannot do so, national planning policy (paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF) introduces a presumption in favour of sustainable development — often making it easier to gain permission for new housing, even on unallocated sites. At Pyramid Planning, we critically assess five-year housing land supply claims, housing delivery test results, housing trajectories and authority monitoring reports. We can prepare formal reviews and statements to support planning applications, appeals, or Local Plan representations where housing supply is in doubt.

'Engaging in the local plan process can help you achieve your long-term development goals'