Local Plan Representations

Expert Local Plan Representations

Local Plans shape what can be built—and where—for the next 15+ years. Whether you are a landowner seeking to promote your site for allocation, a resident or business concerned about a proposed development, or an organisation wanting to influence planning policy, Cedar Planning provides expert, evidence-based representation throughout the Local Plan process.

Our Chartered Town Planners have direct experience working within Local Authorities on Local Plan preparation, giving you inside understanding of how decisions are made, what evidence carries weight, and how to position your case effectively.

Contact Us for Expert Local Plan Advice

Get in touch today for a free initial review of your land or representation needs.

Why Local Plan Representations Matter

Local Plans determine:

• Which land is allocated for housing, employment or mixed-use

• Which sites are excluded from development

• Where settlement boundaries will be drawn

• How policy requirements will affect future planning applications

• How growth is planned across a city, district, borough or county

Once adopted, the Local Plan becomes a key reference for all planning decisions.
Making effective early representations can significantly influence its outcome.

1. Site Promotion for Allocation

We prepare detailed submissions to present your land as:

• Deliverable

• Developable

• Suitable for its proposed use

• Consistent with strategic planning objectives

• Supported by clear planning justification

This may include:

• Housing or employment land promotion

• Mixed-use development

• Renewable energy schemes

• Rural and village-edge growth

• Retail and leisure uses

• Regeneration and brownfield opportunities

We use our Local Plan experience inside Local Authorities to frame your site positively and address likely objections.

2. Objections to Proposed Development Sites

If a site allocation could negatively impact your property, business or community, we prepare structured objections based on:

• Landscape and visual impact

• Highways and traffic concerns

• Infrastructure capacity

• Settlement character

• Environmental constraints

• Amenity impacts

• Deliverability questions

• Conflict with national and local policy

Unlike standard objections, Local Plan representations require evidence-based planning arguments.

We specialise in preparing submissions that Councils must consider as part of the soundness and legal compliance process. Further information on how we object to planning applications is available here.

3. Representations on Draft Policies

Local Plans introduce new policies that may affect:

• Development management decisions

• Housing design

• Heritage protection

• Climate change and energy requirements

• Density and height

• Rural areas and countryside protection

• Affordable housing

• HMO and housing mix standards

• Employment land policies

We analyse draft policies and prepare clear, professional representations that:

• Support helpful policies

• Challenge ambiguous or harmful ones

• Improve policy wording

• Ensure compliance with national policy and case law

This is particularly valuable for developers, landowners and businesses.

Our Local Plan Representation Services

Why Choose Cedar Planning for Local Plan Work?

• Experience Inside Local Authorities - We have direct experience preparing Local Plans from within Local Planning Authorities. We understand the internal process, the evidence required, and the reasoning officers rely upon—giving your representations greater weight.

• Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) - Your submissions will be handled by a qualified planner with a strong background in policy, site assessment, development management and strategic planning.

• Clear, Evidence-Based Submissions - We prepare well-reasoned arguments supported by relevant policy, guidance and technical evidence.

• Honest, Realistic Advice - If a site has low prospects of allocation, we will tell you before you invest further.

• Support Across All Consultation Stages - Including

  • Call for Sites

  • Regulation 18 representations

  • Regulation 19 (Soundness) representations

  • Submission stage

  • Examination in Public (EIP) support

UK-Wide Service

We represent clients across England, including Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, London, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Manchester and beyond.

You may also find our Planning Consultancy Services and Site Promotion support helpful for long-term development strategy.

What We Can Do For You

Our service can include:

• Review of consultation documents

• Site assessments and constraints mapping

• Allocation justification

• Policy analysis

• Preparation of written representations

• Liaison with Local Plan officers

• Monitoring of the Local Plan timetable

• Representation at hearings (where required)

Every submission is tailored to the site, the policy context, and your objectives.

Contact Cedar Planning

If you need professional support promoting a site, objecting to an allocation, or making policy representations, contact us today for a free initial consultation. Either use the form below, or email info@cedarplanning.co.uk