A local plan should cover a 20–25 year period and all councils must review their Local Plans at least every 5 years to take on board updated information, particularly about the number of homes needed. 
The last Local Plan was adopted in November 1998 by the then Labour CPBC administration. It was saved in its totality until 28th September 2007. Since that date only certain policies are still in place. These will be replaced by policies in the New Castle Point Plan in due course.
The 2003 – 2022 Conservative CPBC administration did not produce a new Local Plan. They had 5 failed attempts at adopting one and their last attempt was voted down unanimously (including by their own councillors) as not being appropriate and not being supported by residents.
The Independent CPBC administration’s new Local Plan will cover the years 2025 to 2050. This will be a resident led plan, with an unprecedented level of consultation of Castle Point residents and businesses, and is on track to be ready for inspection in April 2025.