Timetable set for new St Helens Borough Local Plan
St Helens Borough Council has set out a clear timetable for the preparation of a new Local Plan to make sure the borough has an up-to-date and effective framework to guide future development.
Article date: 4 June 2026
A new Local Plan is required to respond to changes in national planning policy, national changes in how local housing needs is assessed, and the borough's evolving economic, environmental and regeneration priorities.
The pace of housebuilding and delivery within the borough has also reinforced the importance of proactively reviewing the existing planning framework to make sure it remains effective, responsive, and aligned with current and future requirements. Publishing a timetable provides transparency for residents, businesses and stakeholders about how and when the plan will be developed.
By progressing a new Local Plan, the council will retain control over where and how development takes place, growth is led by the plan, sustainable and supports the delivery of homes, jobs and infrastructure that benefits communities across St Helens Borough.
The timetable outlines three stages with public consultation involved in each one. The aim is to submit the new plan to Central Government in autumn 2028, with the aim for approval by summer 2029.