Guidance for Programme Officers: Local Plan Examinations (legacy system)
Practical guidance on the role and responsibilities of a Programme Officer (PO) during the examination of a local plan.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
For plans under the new plan-making system
If you are submitting your plan under the new system, use the create or update a local plan new system guidance.
The new plan-making system covers plans that will be prepared and amended under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, as modified by the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023.
It takes account of the 2019 National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) and the national Planning Practice Guidance (PPG); and it is consistent with the Planning Inspectorate’s (PINS) procedural guidance, the Procedure Guide for Local Plan Examinations.
Updates to this page
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(legacy system) added to the title
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Added information about the new plan-making system.
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Guidance updated to explain in-person/physical (‘real’), ‘virtual’ video or telephone conference, blended events or a ‘blended’ mix of formats for each or different sessions
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Updated to reflect the latest Government planning guidance
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Covid-19 content and link to now archived content removed.
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Update to the second paragraph of 'Qualities of an Effective Programme Officer'
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Link added to the new guide: Local plans: taking part in examinations
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First published.
Update history
2026-07-20 14:31
(legacy system) added to the title
2025-11-27 12:47
Added information about the new plan-making system.
2023-02-10 11:00
Guidance updated to explain in-person/physical (‘real’), ‘virtual’ video or telephone conference, blended events or a ‘blended’ mix of formats for each or different sessions
2022-09-27 09:54
Updated to reflect the latest Government planning guidance
2022-05-31 10:04
Covid-19 content and link to now archived content removed.
2022-03-15 12:20
Update to the second paragraph of ‘Qualities of an Effective Programme Officer’