Local Plan
Assessment Support

Local Plans set out the vision for development in an area. They establish strategic policies such as where new housing and employment land should be allocated, alongside non-strategic policies that shape design, infrastructure, and environmental standards.

Once adopted, Local Plans form part of the statutory development plan for an area and help guide decisions on development. Planning applications must be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The evidence and procedural requirements depend on the plan-making system being used. Plans need an evidence base that is proportionate to the matters being considered, while the authority must also meet the applicable statutory and procedural requirements.

Local Plans are independently examined, with the applicable tests depending on the plan-making system. A clear, proportionate evidence base helps demonstrate how the plan's strategy and policies have been developed and justified.

2026 transition: England is currently moving from the legacy Local Plan system to the new plan-making system. Plans prepared under the 2026 Regulations follow the August 2026 NPPF, while other plans continue under the December 2024 NPPF and its transitional arrangements. The final date for Local Plan submissions under the legacy regulations is 31 December 2026.

How enevo supports Local Plan assessments

enevo provides technical assessments, modelling and reporting services that can contribute to Local Plan evidence, depending on the policy question and scope of the plan. We help clients develop environmental, sustainability, acoustic and building-performance evidence that is clear, proportionate and scoped to the relevant policy question.

We support authorities, developers, and consultants at all stages of Local Plan preparation with inputs such as:

• Environmental assessment inputs: Technical evidence to inform environmental assessment where this is required as part of plan preparation.


• Energy and carbon evidence: Assessment and modelling to inform relevant climate, energy and carbon policy where appropriate.


• Acoustic services: Environmental noise mapping and impact assessment, support for site allocations and masterplans, construction and operational noise management, and policy-compliant mitigation strategies.


• Health, wellbeing, and quality of life metrics: Covering noise, overheating risk, and daylight availability.


• Evidence for locally specific standards: Technical evidence to help assess whether proposed requirements are justified, proportionate and consistent with national policy.