What has been done
Leeds City Council is preparing a new Leeds Local Plan, shaping how places grow and develop across the district. Local Plans set out where new homes, jobs, infrastructure and community facilities should be located, supporting regeneration and environmental improvements and provide clarity for residents, businesses and developers.
In Summer 2025 we consulted on the Issues and Options for the Local Plan. This sought views on potential policy and site options. Whilst there have been some changes made to the planning system since then, all the comments previously received will continue to help shape and inform the new Leeds Local Plan.
On 18 June 2026 we published a ‘notice of intention’ to prepare the Leeds Local Plan under new planning regulations. A local plan timetable, setting out the key stages in the process, was also published. This will be regularly reviewed and updated as required as the plan progresses.
Current stage: scoping consultation
We are currently consulting on the scope of the Local Plan. The consultation will run for 6 weeks between 24 June and 5 August 2026.
You can find out more about this here - Leeds Local Plan scoping consultation (Regulation 18)
The scoping consultation is the first stage in preparing the Leeds Local Plan under the new local plan-making process, which was announced by the Government in December 2025. It seeks views on what the plan should contain and how people wish to be engaged in the process.
This consultation is not about specific sites or policies, but this will be the focus of the next consultation in Winter 2026/7.
We would like to thank all those who made comments during previous consultations on the Leeds Local Plan, and to reassure you that what you have already said is important to us and will be used to help shape the local plan.
Next steps
In Winter 2026/7 there will be another public consultation on the Local Plan. This will include more detailed information about potential policies and site options, including updated site assessments identifying preferred and non-preferred sites, draft policy approaches and supporting evidence. This will take into account the comments previously made on the Local Plan through the Issues and Options consultation in Summer 2025.
The development and refinement of a robust evidence base underpin the Local Plan, allowing for well-justified policy positions. Key areas of technical work include:
- Greenbelt Assessment
- Spatial Strategy Development
- Landscape Sensitivity Analysis
- Gypsy and Traveller Site Land Allocation
- Strategic Flood Risk Assessment
Infrastructure considerations are also being addressed to inform plans for schools, health institutions, and transport options, aiming to understand current capacity and pressures and improve access. Viability assessments are underway to guide policy options, expectations, and requirements across the district.
This technical note explains the role of the Green Belt in Leeds and how it is being considered as part of the preparation of the Leeds Local Plan.
