Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether local plans can be amended to include a review process as a result of changes in planning directions.

The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that Local Plan Reviews should be completed by local planning authorities no later than five years from the adoption date of a plan and should take into account changing circumstances affecting the area, or any relevant changes in national policy.

For plans at examination, it is for the Inspector to decide whether a Local Plan should be subject to an early review and submitted to examination within a timebound period.

The Planning Inspectorate provides training to all Planning Inspectors who undertake local plan examinations. This covers communication with the wide range of stakeholders interested in the process and are in accordance with the Franks' Principles of openness, fairness and impartiality.