Timetable

PDF version of this timetable (Version 1, June 2026)

Introduction

This document sets out the timetable for preparing the Eastleigh Borough Local Plan Review to 2044. It was published on 22 June 2026 and has effect from that date.

The timetable will be kept up to date.

The Council is not currently preparing any Supplementary Plans. If it does in the future, the timetable for preparing these plans will also be included in this document.

Once adopted, the Local Plan will form a key part of the development plan against which planning applications are determined.

The development plan for the Borough is currently as follows:

		At end June 2026:	Notes
1	Spatial Development Strategy (SDS)	None	An SDS will be prepared by the Hampshire and Solent Mayoral Combined County Authority.
2	Local Plan	Eastleigh Borough Local Plan (2016 – 2036)	To be replaced by the Local Plan Review to 2044 once adopted.
3	Minerals and Waste Plan	Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan (2013)	Shortly to be replaced by a review of this plan.
4	Supplementary Plans	None	None currently in preparation.
5	Neighbourhood Plans	None	No ‘made’ plans. 3 neighbourhood areas are designated (Bishopstoke, Botley and Hamble).
6	Policies Maps	Policy maps associated with 2. And 3.

The Council has approved a number of Supplementary Planning Documents. These can be found at: Supplementary planning documents (SPDs)

This timetable has been prepared in accordance with the Town and County Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.

Eastleigh Local Plan Review to 2044
Matters the Plan will address

The Local Plan Review will:

Assess the need for development;
Determine the vision and spatial strategy for development, including:
- The overall scale of development to be provided;
- The location of development, including site allocations;
- The infrastructure needed to support development (e.g. sustainable
  transport, education, health, community and green infrastructure);
- The areas and assets to be protected and enhanced (e.g. biodiversity
  designations, heritage assets, flood zones, countryside, settlement
  gaps, etc).
Set local policies for how development will occur.

The Local Plan will be informed by:

Legislation, national, regional and local policy;
Public and other engagement – the Council will consult on an Engagement
Strategy as part of its Scoping Consultation;
Evidence.

The Eastleigh Borough Local Plan Review Project Initiation Document provides more information.

Geographical area covered

The Local Plan will cover the whole Eastleigh Borough area. (The Government has announced that from April 2028 Eastleigh Borough Council will merge with Southampton City Council and parts of New Forest District Council and Test Valley Borough Council. As the Eastleigh Borough Local Plan Review will be at an advanced stage of preparation by April 2028, the current intention is that the new Council will adopt the plan for the area which is currently Eastleigh Borough).

Key milestone dates

A brief description of each stage is included. For more information, see the Project Initiation Document.

(For public consultation, the following dates are provided:

Start date – when the Council will provide notice of the consultation;

End date – when any representations must be received by the Council.

Information on how to respond will be included in the notice of consultation).

Type	Stage	Proposed Date	Actual Date
Publish	Notice of intention to commence plan	Thu 25 June 2026 (2026-06-25)	Mon 22 June 2026 (2026-06-22)
The Council publishes its notice of intention to commence the plan, the timetable for the preparation of the plan, and the Project Initiation Document.

Type

Stage

Proposed Date

Actual Date

Publish

Notice of intention to commence plan

Thu 25 June 2026

(2026-06-25)

Mon 22 June 2026

(2026-06-22)

The Council publishes its notice of intention to commence the plan, the timetable for the preparation of the plan, and the Project Initiation Document.

Public consultation

Scoping consultation

Start – Thu 20 August 2026

(2026-08-20)

End – Thu 24 September 2026

(2026-09-24)

The Scoping Consultation will seek views on how the Council should engage with people in preparing the plan, and on the issues, priorities, vision and scope of the plan.

Publish

Gateway 1 self assessment summary

Thu 29 October 2026

(2026-10-29)

The Gateway 1 self assessment template establishes that the Council is ready to prepare and adopt the plan within 30 months. It is a check list to confirm for example that we have a timetable and engagement strategy, and are making progress on a vision / scope of / key issues for the plan.

Public consultation

Proposed plan content and evidence

Start – Thu 3 June 2027

(2027-06-03)

End – Thu 15 July 2027

(2027-07-15)

This will seek views on for example the proposed vision, measurable outcomes and spatial strategy, including the initial selection of preferred development sites, any changes to designations and the overall approach to key relevant policies.

Observations and advice sought

Gateway 2

Advice sought - Thu 18 November 2027

(2027-11-18)

Advice published – to be confirmed

To seek advice from a Planning Inspector on the proposed local plan content and the need for any further work.

Public consultation

Proposed plan

Start – Thu 1 June 2028

(2028-06-01)

End – Thu 27 July 2028

(2028-07-27)

To seek representations on the full proposed local plan.

Observations and advice sought

Gateway 3

Advice sought - Thu 28 September 2028

(2028-09-28)

Advice published – to be confirmed

To seek advice from a Planning Inspector on whether the ‘prescribed requirements’ are met. These identify what the plan should set out, for example: a vision / measurable outcomes; the amount / type / location / timing of development; how it will address climate change, and local nature recovery, and a local plan policies map.

Examination

Submission

Thu 26 October 2028

(2028-10-26)

Publish Inspector’s recommendations

To be confirmed

A Planning Inspector conducts a public examination to establish whether the plan is legally compliant and sound. The Council can only adopt the plan if this is the case, and if any modifications recommended by the Planning Inspector are included.

Adoption

Adoption of the plan

Thu 26 April 2029

(2029-04-26)

The Council adopts the Local Plan and it becomes part of the development plan.

The Local Plan timetable csv file sets out milestones for the local plan.