Should England require neighbouring councils to prepare joint spatial development strategies for housing, jobs and transport?

The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 inserts Part 1A into the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. This requires strategic planning authorities to prepare spatial development strategies covering growth across council boundaries. Consequential regulations made on 6 July 2026 and coming into force on 16 July 2026 also require marine plan authorities to notify adjoining strategic planning authorities.