If you’ve ever wondered how councils decide where new homes, schools, and business spaces should go, the answer often starts with a Call for Sites. This important early stage in the Local Plan process invites landowners, developers, and communities to put forward land they believe could be suitable for future development.
In this blog, we’ll explore what a Call for Sites is, why it matters, and how it fits into the wider planning framework in England and Wales. Whether you’re a developer with land to submit or a resident curious about what’s being proposed in your area, understanding this process is key to shaping the future of your community.
What is a Call for Sites?
If you’ve ever wondered how land gets chosen for new homes, schools, or employment hubs, you’re not alone. One of the earliest and most important steps in preparing a Local Plan is the Call for Sites.
A Call for Sites is a public invitation from your local council (the Local Planning Authority, or LPA) asking individuals, developers, landowners, and organisations to suggest land that might be suitable for future development. This helps councils understand what land is available and where growth might realistically take place.
Why Does It Matter?
The Call for Sites is part of the evidence-gathering phase of the Local Plan process. It helps the council build a database of potential development sites which can then be assessed against various planning criteria, such as:
- Proximity to existing infrastructure
- Environmental constraints (like flood risk or protected land)
- Deliverability (is the landowner willing to build?)
- Alignment with national and local planning policy
Only sites that pass these tests will be considered for allocation in the draft Local Plan.
Who Can Submit a Site?
Anyone. While developers and land agents submit most proposals, parish councils, community groups, charities, or individuals can also suggest land.
Submissions typically include:
- A location map (often with a red line boundary)
- Site size and current use
- Planning History
- Suggested use (housing, employment, mixed-use, etc.)
- If proposed for housing, how many dwellings can be expected to fit on the site
- Ownership and availability details
What Happens After a Site is Submitted?
- Assessment – Planners assess the site’s suitability, availability, and achievability. This may involve site visits, sustainability checks, and input from statutory consultees (like the Environment Agency).
- Publication – A Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) is usually produced, listing all submitted sites and initial conclusions. Inclusion in the SHELAA does not mean the site will be allocated or approved.
- Plan Drafting – The council uses the information to help decide which sites to include in the draft Local Plan, which is later consulted on and refined before adoption.
Common Misunderstandings
- “My site was included in the Call for Sites so I can build now!”
Not quite. Inclusion is only the first step. Planning permission is still required – even if the site is allocated later. - “If I don’t submit during the Call for Sites, I’ve missed my chance.”
Often, no. Councils may accept late submissions, and there are usually later opportunities to comment during plan consultations.
Why Should the Public Care?
- Transparency: The process reveals where development is being considered.
- Influence: Residents can see if land near them has been submitted and provide feedback during consultations.
- Opportunity: It opens the door for community-led development or neighbourhood plans to suggest appropriate land use.
Final Thoughts
The Call for Sites is an essential building block in shaping the future of towns and cities across England and Wales. While the language might sound technical, it’s ultimately about preparing for the homes, jobs, and services our communities need.
If you’re a landowner or simply a concerned resident, keeping an eye on this process gives you a say in how your local area evolves.
- Check your Local Authority’s website to see if a Call for Sites is open – or when the next one might be.
- Have land to suggest? Many councils now accept submissions online.
Currently Durham County Council has a Call for Sites open until September 2025. Click here for more information.
