The Lancaster District Call for Sites ran from June to 20 July 2026 and was billed as the final call for the new Local Plan. Sites can still be promoted through the options and draft plan consultations that follow. Status checked 25 September 2026. Council source
Lancaster Call for Sites — Promote Your Land for Development
Cedar Planning helps landowners, developers and investors put forward land through the Lancaster District Call for Sites. Expert guidance, maximum impact.
Lancaster Local Plan Review
What Is the Lancaster District Call for Sites?
Lancaster City Council is inviting landowners, developers and individuals to put forward land for potential future development as part of its Local Plan Review. This process — known as the Call for Sites — forms a critical part of the evidence base that will shape where new homes, jobs and community uses are located across the Lancaster district for decades to come.
The most recent Call for Sites closed on 20 July 2026. All submissions are assessed through the Council's Strategic Housing & Employment Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) to determine whether sites are suitable, available and achievable for development.
Importantly, submitting a site does not grant planning permission — but it is an essential first step in establishing and demonstrating your land's development potential within the emerging Local Plan process.
If your site has been submitted in a previous round, it will remain valid. However, submitting a fresh, well-supported submission strengthens your site's prospects considerably.
At Cedar Planning our in-house local plan experts understand the importance of well structured and presented local plan evidence.
What Can Be Submitted?
Land for Any Future Use
The Lancaster Call for Sites accepted submissions for a wide range of development types.
Residential Housing
Sites of 0.2ha+ or capable of 5+ dwellings
Employment & Commercial
Sites of 0.25ha+ or 500sqm+ floorspace
Retail & Mixed-Use
Town centre, local centre or edge-of-centre land
Green Infrastructure
Open space, biodiversity net gain and parks
Gypsy & Traveller Pitches
Permanent or transit — no minimum threshold
Community Facilities
Schools, healthcare, leisure and more
Important Deadlines
Key Dates and What Happens Next
The Lancaster Call for Sites has now closed. Land that was not submitted can still be promoted through representations at the options and draft plan stages, so it is worth preparing evidence now to allow time for supporting documents to be properly prepared.
Site Thresholds
Does Your Site Qualify? Minimum Site Thresholds
Lancaster City Council has set minimum thresholds to ensure submissions can be meaningfully assessed through the SHELAA. These thresholds are generous, and sites within the Lancaster District National Landscape, part of the former Forest of Bowland AONB, benefit from no minimum threshold — recognising the smaller scale of rural land parcels in those areas.
| Land Use Type | Minimum Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Sites | 0.2 hectares or 5+ dwellings | Either threshold triggers inclusion |
| Employment Sites | 0.25 hectares or 500 sqm floorspace | Either threshold triggers inclusion |
| All Other Uses | No minimum threshold | Retail, community, infrastructure etc. |
| National Landscape housing & employment | No minimum threshold | Recognises typically smaller rural parcels |
| Gypsy & Traveller Pitches | No minimum threshold | Permanent residential or transit sites |
Not sure if your site meets the threshold? Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment.
Why Act Now?
Why Should You Submit Your Land?
The Lancaster Call for Sites is a rare and time-limited opportunity. A well-prepared submission can have a lasting positive impact on the development value of your land.
Establish Your Land in the Evidence Base
A successful submission places your site formally within Lancaster City Council's land supply evidence, creating a strong foundation for future planning applications.
Increase Your Chances of Local Plan Allocation
Sites assessed as suitable, available and achievable may be formally allocated for development in Lancaster's new Local Plan — a significant uplift in land value.
Strengthen Future Planning Applications
Inclusion in the SHELAA and Local Plan allocation can strengthen the prospects of a future planning application being approved, reducing risk for you and any prospective developer.
Unlock the Development Value of Your Land
Land identified for development through the Local Plan process can see a substantial increase in its market value. Early action is the key to maximising this potential.
How We Can Help
Our Lancaster Call for Sites Services
Cedar Planning provides a complete, end-to-end land promotion service tailored to the Lancaster Call for Sites. We take care of everything — from an initial review of your site's development potential through to submission of a polished, well-evidenced Call for Sites form and accompanying documents.
We work with landowners at all stages, whether you have a single field, a farm, a brownfield site or a larger strategic land holding. Every site is different, and we provide honest, tailored advice rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Free Initial Site Review — We will assess your site's basic development potential and advise on the merits of a submission at no cost.
- Planning Constraints & Opportunities Assessment — Identification of designations, constraints and planning policy relevant to your site in Lancaster.
- Preparation of a Robust Call for Sites Submission — Professional completion of Lancaster City Council's submission form, maximising clarity and impact.
- Supporting Planning Statement — Where beneficial, a detailed statement setting out the case for your site's development potential.
- Site Promotion Strategy — Advice aligned with Lancaster's Local Plan objectives and the SHELAA methodology to position your site favourably.
- Ongoing Local Plan Support — We can represent your site throughout the Local Plan process, including at examination if required.
Why Choose Us?
Why Choose Cedar Planning for Your Lancaster Call for Sites?
We are a specialist planning consultancy with a proven track record in Call for Sites submissions and Local Plan promotion work across England. We pride ourselves on straightforward, commercially focused advice that helps landowners make informed, confident decisions about their land.
Years of experience in planning and land promotion
Chartered Town Planners — professionally qualified and regulated
No-obligation initial quote — completely free, no strings attached
Focus on maximising the value and prospects of your land
Our Chartered Town Planners have extensive knowledge of the Local Plan process and the SHELAA assessment criteria. We understand how to present your site in a clear, commercially focused and planning-led way.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions — Lancaster Call for Sites
The following questions are based on the Call for Sites process. If you have a specific question about your site, contact us directly for a free, confidential discussion.
What is the Lancaster Call for Sites and why does it matter?
Does submitting a site mean planning permission will be granted?
I submitted my land in a previous Call for Sites round. Do I need to submit again?
What is the SHELAA and how will my site be assessed?
Is the Lancaster Call for Sites still open?
What types of land can be submitted?
Will the Council purchase my land if it is allocated for development?
Can Cedar Planning submit the site on my behalf?
Free Initial Review
Discuss Your Lancaster Site With a Chartered Town Planner
Whether you own a single field, farm, brownfield site, redundant land or a larger strategic landholding, Cedar Planning can provide an honest view on its development potential and prepare a professional Call for Sites submission.
