Introduction The introduction of the new plan-making system through the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026 [1], aims to make Local Plans quicker, more streamlined and more consistent across England. Under the new system, Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) must prepare a single Local Plan and should adopt it within 30 months. The Government’s guidance on 30-month local plan process[2] covers the stages of getting ready, preparing the plan,

A decade ago, we set out with a clear purpose: to support planning authorities in shaping strong, effective planning policy and delivering sound, plan-led outcomes for communities. What started as a team of one has grown into DAC Planning being a trusted partner working with authorities nationwide. Over the past 10 years, our team has grown, our expertise has deepened, and the challenges facing the planning system have continued to evolve. Through it all, we’ve stayed grounde

DAC Planning is delighted to announce a series of promotions as we continue to grow our team and enhance our capacity to support councils and local communities across the country. Nicki Faulkner, Vicki Willis and Greg Pearce have all been promoted from Associate to Associate Director. Nicki joined DAC Planning in 2021, having developed a broad range of skills and knowledge in local government. She manages a diverse range of projects, from Local Plans and Infrastructure Delive

DAC Planning has recently submitted a response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Consultation 2026. Read our detailed response here .

We have just released our Christmas Newsletter . As we reflect on the year and settle into the festive season, our team is embracing the holiday spirit (including an adventure at the escape room!). However, with a host of recent Government announcements relating to planning and plan-making including the publication of the draft NPPF consultation we remain focused, resilient, and ready to tackle the challenges ahead as we look forward to 2026. 🎄 Discover more about these ach

On 27th November, DAC Planning won the RTPI Excellence in Digital Planning Practice award at the national Awards for Planning Excellence ceremony in London! 🎉 We're absolutely delighted and incredibly proud of the team. The award recognised our work with th e PAS and Local Government Association on creating a digital training course for the Pathways To Planning programme. The course helps new graduates entering the profession gain a solid understanding of the planning

We are pleased to announce that has been awarded a place on ESPO’s Consultancy Services framework (664), a public sector owned professional buying organisation with a substantial track record supplying services to public sector organisations across the UK. Through the ESPO framework, DAC Planning can apply for tenders and offer professional services across the public sector. For further information, contact us at admin@dacplanning.com .

DAC Planning provided wide-ranging support to Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council in relation to the production and independent examination of the emerging Local Plan from 2020 until 2024 following the conclusion of the examination hearing sessions.

We’re delighted to share that DAC Planning has been shortlisted as a finalist for Excellence in Digital Planning Practice at the Royal...