As at 20 September 2026 · Last page update 3 October 2026
Spatial Development Strategies in England
An independent reference on Spatial Development Strategies in England.
An SDS is a high-level spatial plan for a sub-region. It sets the framework for local plans. It does not allocate individual sites. This site explains the statute, the process, and how residents and practitioners can use it.
Residents
How to have a say
What an SDS can and cannot decide, when consultation happens, and a letter template you can adapt.
Practitioners
The reference pages
Definitions, the 2025 Act, examination tests, geographies, evidence methods and outcomes frameworks.
Start with the definitions
- SDS vs local plan
An SDS sets the strategic frame for a sub-region. A local plan allocates sites and sets detailed policy. After adoption, the local plan must be in general conformity with the SDS.
- SDS vs regional spatial strategy
A regional spatial strategy was the old regional-tier plan. It was revoked under the Localism Act 2011. A Spatial Development Strategy is a different, sub-regional document and cannot allocate sites.
- What is a Spatial Development Strategy?
A Spatial Development Strategy is a high-level spatial plan for a sub-region in England. It sets strategic land-use policy for local plans and cannot allocate individual sites.
- What is a strategic planning authority?
The body with the duty to prepare a Spatial Development Strategy. In the 2025 Act that is a strategic planning board, a combined authority, a combined county authority, or (where none of those cover the area) an upper-tier county or unitary council.
Geographies
Four proposed groups from the February 2026 consultation, on an interactive map. The areas are not yet confirmed.
Templates
Consultation letter, drop-in questions, evidence-base checklist and an outcomes framework pack.
Methods
Cumulative effects at SDS scale, and what an outcomes framework contains.