A framework Act
The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA) is a large piece of legislation. Much of it creates powers that need regulations before they take effect, so its impact has been gradual. These are the parts that matter most for planning applications.
Enforcement
The most immediate change came on 25 April 2024, when the 4-year enforcement limit was abolished in favour of 10 years for all breaches. Councils also gained enforcement warning notices and longer temporary stop notices. See the 10-year rule.
Varying permissions
LURA created section 73B, a route to apply for a new permission that varies an existing one, where the changes are not substantially different. It is intended to sit alongside section 73 for more significant amendments. Check whether it has been commenced and how your council applies it. See our conditions and amendments guide.
Plans and national policy
The Act reforms how local plans are made, with shorter, more visual plans prepared to a timetable. It also allows the government to set national development management policies that carry statutory weight. The NPPF 2026’s national decision-making policies build on this.
Other measures
LURA includes powers for an Infrastructure Levy to replace most section 106 and CIL arrangements, and for street votes allowing residents to propose development on their street. Neither had been widely implemented at the time of writing.
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Sources
This article is general information about planning in England at the date shown. It is not advice on any particular site, and the law and policy may have changed since. Please speak to us before relying on it.