The government is consulting on the geography of areas for spatial development strategies.

Spatial development strategies are plans for areas larger than a single local authority. They reintroduce for all of England planning at a wider scale, for the first time since 2011.

These strategies do already exist in some places. They never went away in London and certain combined authorities, such as Greater Manchester, gained the ability to produce them. The strategies will now cover all of England, and will be obligatory, something we have been calling for.

Under these proposals, areas that already have combined authorities, or are in the process of creating them, will become areas for spatial development strategies.

Elsewhere, the government wants suggestions for areas that make sense for strategic planning. We think all such areas should be as large as possible to make the planning of new homes better relate to transport networks and jobs.

We think this proposal should be supported, with a preference for larger areas wherever possible.

The consultation closes on 26 March 2026.