Swale Borough Council has announced that the Regulation 19 consultation on its emerging Local Plan will begin on Monday 10 August 2026 and run for a period of six weeks.
This marks a significant milestone in the preparation of the new Local Plan, which will guide future development across the borough and set the planning policies against which planning applications will be assessed.
What is the Regulation 19 Consultation?
The Regulation 19 stage is the final public consultation before the Local Plan is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination. Unlike earlier consultation stages, comments should focus on whether the proposed Local Plan is legally compliant and sound, rather than suggesting new policies or site allocations.
Following the consultation, an independent Planning Inspector will consider the representations received when examining the Local Plan.
What Does the Local Plan Cover?
The emerging Local Plan establishes the planning framework for future growth within Swale and includes policies covering a wide range of planning matters, including:
- Housing and employment development
- Strategic site allocations
- Design quality and placemaking
- Protection of the historic and natural environment
- Climate change and sustainability
- Infrastructure needed to support future development
These policies will play an important role in determining planning applications and shaping the future of communities across the borough.
How to Take Part
The consultation opens on 10 August 2026, with all consultation documents and supporting evidence available on Swale Borough Council’s consultation portal. Printed copies of the Regulation 19 Local Plan will also be available to view at local libraries and Council offices.
Those wishing to submit comments are encouraged to ensure they can access the Council’s online consultation portal before the consultation opens by registering for an account or logging into an existing one.
Why This Matters
The Local Plan provides the policy framework that will influence development decisions across Swale for many years. Whether you are a landowner, developer, business, parish council or local resident, this consultation provides an important opportunity to comment on the proposed policies before the plan is submitted for examination.
Representations made at this stage should clearly explain whether the Local Plan is considered legally compliant and sound, as these are the matters the Planning Inspector will assess during the examination process.
How Bloomfields Can Help
Preparing representations to a Regulation 19 consultation requires a clear understanding of national planning policy, evidence requirements and the legal tests of soundness. Professional planning advice can help ensure that comments are robust, well-supported and effectively presented.
If you are considering submitting representations to the Swale Borough Council Regulation 19 Local Plan consultation, or would like professional planning advice on development opportunities within the borough, our experienced planning consultants are here to help.
For further information, please contact Bloomfields Chartered Town Planners on 01892 831600 or email info@bloomfieldsltd.co.uk.