Local Development Scheme

The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out the planning policy that is to be prepared by the Council and the timetable for its preparation. The updated LDS came into effect on 15 July 2025 and replaces the previous version of February 2025.

The principal document the Council is progressing is the Exeter Plan, the new Local Plan for the city. We are also collaborating with the University of Exeter on work regarding the St Luke’s University Campus with the aim of this becoming a Supplementary Planning Document in future.

Download the Local Development Scheme

The Exeter Plan: The new Local Plan

The Council is currently preparing the Exeter Plan, a new Local Plan for the city. The Exeter Plan will replace the adopted Core Strategy and adopted Local Plan First Review.

The timetable for preparing the Exeter Plan is set out below:

Issues consultation (Regulation 18): September 2021 - Complete
Outline Draft Plan consultation (Regulation 18): September 2022 - Complete
Draft Plan consultation (Regulation 18): October 2023 - Complete
Publication (Regulation 19): December 2024 - Complete
Submission to Planning Inspectorate (Regulation 22): September 2025 - Complete

Indicative timetable (determined by Planning Inspectorate)

Examination including hearings (Regulation 23 - 24): March/April 2026
Adoption (Regulation 26): March 2027