Local Plans: district by district

Easy-to-follow details and chart cover the county and are available to everyone

The following list gives the latest situation on Local Plans throughout Kent. In addition, many local authorities have an old-style Local Plan that has ‘saved’ policies still relevant when considering planning applications. These will be gradually replaced as new Plans are adopted. Details of currently ‘saved’ policies are provided on local authority websites.

Ashford: Regulation 18 consultation took place from August 18-October 13, 2025. The next round of consultation is planned for spring 2026.

Canterbury: Focused Regulation 18 consultation took place from September 9-13 October 13, 2025. The previously proposed new settlement at Blean has been deleted and new site allocations proposed. The next round of consultation is planned for spring 2026.

Dartford: Local Plan adopted on April 22, 2024. Work to commence on Local Plan review late 2026.

Dover: Local Plan adopted on October 16, 2024. Local Plan review is not planned until 2028.

Folkestone & Hythe: Places and Polices Local Plan was adopted in September 2020. The Core Strategy Review was adopted in March 2022. Regulation 18 consultation on a new Local Plan is planned to take place in spring 2026.

Gravesham: Regulation 19 consultation is expected to take place in spring 2026.

Maidstone: Local Plan adopted March 20, 2024. Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) for new garden settlements at Heathlands and Lidsing were adopted on February 11, 2026.

Medway: The Medway Local Plan was submitted for examination on January 5, 2026.

Sevenoaks: Regulation 18 consultation took place at the end of 2025. Regulation 19 consultation is expected to take place in summer 2026.

Swale: Regulation 18 consultation took place in January-February this year (development management policies only). Regulation 19 consultation (spatial strategy and allocations) is expected to take place in summer 2026.

Thanet: A revised Local Development Scheme was published in February 2025. Regulation 18 consultation is expected to take place in the autumn of 2026.

Tonbridge and Malling: Regulation 18 consultation took place at the end of 2025, which included proposals for a new garden settlement at Borough Green. Regulation 19 consultation will take place this summer (2026).

Tunbridge Wells: Local Plan was adopted December 2025. Work will start on a Local Plan review within six months of adoption.

• To see the Local Plans chart, click here