- Gateway 1 self-assessment summary
Gateway 1 self-assessment summary
Gateway 1 self-assessment summary
How we got ready to prepare a new local plan
We published a timetable for preparing the plan
We established project management and governance arrangements
We planned how we will consult on the plan
We began scoping the content of the plan
We progressed work on the Strategic Environmental Assessment
We are planning for wider change
How we got ready to prepare a new local plan
We started preparing a new local plan for Broxtowe on 31 October 2026.
Government policy says we should adopt the new plan within 30 months of this date. This is to help ensure that Broxtowe has an up-to-date local plan that responds to the needs of the Borough and its communities.
This page explains what we did to get ready for the 30-month process. It also provides links to the timetable, consultation material and other information about the new Broxtowe Local Plan.
Find out about the Broxtowe Local Plan.
We published a timetable for preparing the plan
The timetable shows when we expect to carry out the main stages and activities needed to prepare the plan. It helps us assess whether the plan can be adopted within 30 months and will be kept under review as work progresses.
The Council published its Local Plan timetable and Notice of Intention to Commence Local Plan Preparation on 30 June 2026, giving the required notice before Gateway 1. The scoping consultation ran from 15 September to 20 October 2026. The timetable starts the 30-month process on 31 October 2026 and provides for consultation on proposed plan content and evidence in spring 2027, consultation on the proposed Local Plan in summer 2028, submission for examination on 29 September 2028 and adoption on 30 April 2029.
We have considered the main factors that could affect delivery, including the timing of evidence studies, procurement, staff capacity, consultation analysis, decision-making, changes to national policy, strategic planning work and local government reorganisation. These matters will be reviewed through the project programme and risk register. If an issue begins to affect a key milestone, we will consider what action is needed and update the published timetable where necessary.
On the basis of the work completed to date, we consider that the published timetable provides a realistic route to adoption within 30 months, while recognising that it is demanding and will require regular monitoring.
View the Local Plan timetable and Notice of Intention.
We established project management and governance arrangements
Preparing the Local Plan will require input from officers and elected members across the Council, as well as neighbouring authorities, infrastructure providers, statutory bodies and other organisations. Clear arrangements are needed so that work stays on programme and decisions are taken at the right time.
The Council has established an initial programme for preparing the plan, linked to the published timetable. Workstreams cover consultation, the evidence base, the vision and spatial strategy, policy development, site assessment, infrastructure and Strategic Environmental Assessment. Relevant Council services and external organisations are being involved as their input is required.
We have also prepared an initial risk register. It covers matters such as staffing and specialist capacity, budgets, procurement, external inputs, consultation workloads, changes to national policy, the emerging East Midlands Spatial Development Strategy and potential local government reorganisation. The register focuses on proportionate monitoring and responding where an issue could affect a decision or milestone.
Some details still need to be formally agreed, including responsibilities, reporting arrangements and the resources needed at the busiest stages. These matters will be reviewed through regular programme meetings, senior officer and member involvement, and early discussion with finance, legal, procurement, communications and democratic services.
We planned how we will consult on the plan
Public consultation is essential if the Local Plan is to reflect the needs of Broxtowe’s communities. We want people and organisations to understand the choices involved and to have opportunities to influence the plan before decisions are made.
An Engagement Plan has been prepared to explain how the Council intends to involve communities and stakeholders throughout the preparation, examination and adoption of the Local Plan. The scoping consultation also asked how people and organisations should be involved as the plan progresses.
Information was published on a dedicated Local Plan webpage, supported by the Scoping Document, frequently asked questions, a summary document, response forms and a consultation notice. People could respond by email or post, and a large-print response form and telephone contact were available. We also contacted statutory bodies, neighbouring authorities, infrastructure providers, parish and town councils, community organisations, businesses, landowners and other interested parties.
Responses are being recorded in a structured database so that the issues raised can be reviewed consistently. We will publish a summary explaining the main messages and how they will inform the next stage. The Engagement Plan will be reviewed and updated following analysis of the consultation responses, taking account of comments about engagement and the effectiveness and accessibility of the methods used.
View the scoping consultation material.
Read the Local Plan Engagement Plan.
We began scoping the content of the plan
The Scoping Document provides the starting point for deciding what the Local Plan should contain. It reviews existing plans and evidence, describes different parts of Broxtowe and identifies the main questions that later stages will need to resolve.
It covers growth, homes and communities, the economy and town centres, infrastructure and viability, transport, climate change and flood risk, the natural environment, heritage and design, and the Green Belt. It also identifies likely evidence requirements and organisations whose input will be needed.
Since publishing it, we have started to prepare an initial SWOT analysis and an early draft vision for Broxtowe to 2041. Possible measurable outcomes have also been identified. These cover homes, jobs and skills, travel, infrastructure, design, climate resilience, flood risk, biodiversity and heritage. They will be refined following further engagement and after further evidence has been reviewed.
The next major task is to identify and assess potential locations and sites for growth. Work is continuing on the housing requirement, evidence programme, settlement and site information, infrastructure needs and high-level spatial options. The assessment will draw on evidence, consultation responses, environmental assessment and infrastructure requirements.
A Call for Sites is due to begin in November 2026 using dedicated online software. Landowners, developers, agents and others will be able to submit land for possible housing, employment or other uses. Submitting a site will not mean that it will be allocated or granted planning permission. Sites will be assessed alongside other reasonable options before a preferred strategy is selected.
Read the Broxtowe Local Plan Scoping Document(.pdf)(26MB)(Opens in New Window) (Opens in a New Window)
We progressed work on the Strategic Environmental Assessment
The Strategic Environmental Assessment is used to identify and evaluate the likely significant environmental effects of the Local Plan and reasonable alternatives. It helps the Council compare choices and consider how adverse effects could be avoided, reduced or offset.
The Council has begun the screening and scoping work needed to establish the appropriate approach to environmental assessment. Statutory environmental bodies were invited to comment during the scoping consultation. The screening process has started but has not yet been formally concluded, so this summary does not prejudge that decision.
Preparatory work is underway. We have begun identifying the plans and programmes that have a relationship with the Local Plan and assembling baseline information on population, homes, the economy, town centres, health, transport, land use, design, Green Belt, climate change, flooding, biodiversity, the historic environment, minerals, waste and traveller sites. Initial sustainability issues have also been identified, including housing affordability and choice, unequal access to services, north-south connectivity, deprivation, infrastructure capacity, flood risk, climate change, biodiversity loss and the need to conserve local character and heritage.
The next steps are to complete the screening process and the review of plans and programmes, analyse trends and data gaps, confirm the relevant environmental objectives and develop the assessment framework. Subject to the outcome of screening and the applicable requirements, we intend to consult on the proposed scope and approach alongside the consultation on proposed plan content and evidence.
Read about the Strategic Environmental Assessment in the Scoping Document(.pdf)(26MB)(Opens in New Window) (Opens in a New Window)
We are planning for wider change
The Local Plan is being prepared while the East Midlands Spatial Development Strategy is emerging and local government reorganisation is being considered. These processes may affect strategic priorities, governance and future plan-making arrangements.
The Council is continuing to prepare a Local Plan for the current Broxtowe Borough area. We will keep relevant changes under review and work with neighbouring authorities and strategic partners. Evidence, consultation responses and spatial planning work will be documented so that they remain useful if responsibilities or administrative arrangements change during plan preparation. We are also working closely with neighbouring authorities, continuing the successful joint working relationship which resulted in the production of the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan.
How to stay up to date
The Council’s Local Plan webpage will be updated as work progresses. It will provide consultation updates, evidence documents, draft plan material, key decisions and timetable information.
Visit the Broxtowe Local Plan webpage
To receive email updates about the Local Plan, or to contact the Planning Policy Team, email policy@broxtowe.gov.uk or telephone 0115 917 7777 and ask for Planning Policy.