A co-developed model policy for integrating soil sustainability into local planning in England

The role of soils in underpinning healthy and resilient urban environments is often overlooked during the planning and construction process. Recognising soils as living systems and finite, non-renewable resources – rather than merely construction substrates or material to be disposed of – is essential for climate resilience, biodiversity and environmental health, and community well-being. Achieving this requires that soil considerations are holistically embedded from the outset of spatial and urban planning, shaping how places, spaces, and buildings are designed, delivered, and managed.

In the UK, Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) are well placed to lead this change. Through their local plans, LPAs can emphasise the importance of good soil management and give clear direction for how soils should be protected and managed throughout the development lifecycle, from design to long-term use. In practice, however, soils remain weakly represented in planning policy. Addressing this gap requires the integration of soil science with planning expertise and the practical knowledge of the diverse actors who interact with soils during development.

Building on the work of the UK’s cross-sector Soils in Planning and Construction Task Force, the Local Soils Project, led by Lancaster University in collaboration with Lancaster City Council and Cornwall Council, to make soil sustainability an integral part of the English planning system. The project co-developed a model soil planning policy to support LPAs across England in embedding soil protection, enhancement, and management within policy frameworks and decision-making.

Through extensive cross-sector engagement and participatory design involving over 50 experts from national and local government, development and construction, environmental organisations, and soil science, the project produced a practical and implementable model policy. The resulting approach reflects both the scientific significance of soils and the institutional and operational realities of local planning.

This contribution presents key elements of the Local Soils Model Policy, outlines the interdisciplinary co-design process, and shares insights from this UK-based initiative that may be relevant to planners, policymakers, and researchers working in other European planning contexts where similar challenges around soil governance and urban development exist.

 

To access the model policy please visit our website: https://www.soilstaskforce.com/reports