Spatial Development Strategy (SDS)

Spatial development strategies are a new type of planning document introduced by a law passed in 2025. From autumn 2026, Lancashire County Combined Authority (LCCA) will be required to create one.

The SDS will cover the whole combined authority area. It will be a long-term plan (20 to 30 years) that sets out the main areas where new homes, jobs, and infrastructure should go.

It will also look at big issues like protecting the environment and dealing with climate change. The plan will be aligned with national and local priorities for investment and development.

Local councils will still create more detailed Local Plans for their areas. However, once the SDS is in place, those Local Plans must follow the overall direction set by it.

Developing the Spatial Development Strategy

An interim SDS team has been established.

The team is initially focussed on four key work areas, as set out in the LCCA Board Report April 2026 Lancashire Spatial Development Strategy Inception. The current focus is on getting the appropriate foundations in place, prior to starting work on the SDS itself.

To contact them email strategicplanning@lancashire-cca.gov.uk. 

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Planning for the future

The Spatial Development Strategy will set out a long-term plan (at least 20 years) for how Lancashire should grow in a sustainable way. It will clearly show where development and investment should happen.

It will link with other important plans, such as the Local Transport Plan, the Lancashire Growth Plan, and the Lancashire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. By making sure these all work together, we can support long-term opportunities across Lancashire.

Having this plan will give organisations more certainty about the future, so they can make better long-term decisions. It will also help Lancashire focus on its priorities, speak more strongly to government, and attract more investment.