Matthew Pennycook, Minister of State for Housing and Planning in the United Kingdom, has sent an official letter to local planning authorities, as well as bodies responsible for mineral resources and waste management. The communication concerns the established deadline for so-called 'legacy' local plans — territorial planning documents developed under the previous regulatory system, which was subsequently reformed. The letter clarifies the conditions and possible options for extending or completing such plans before the set deadline. This is linked to the UK's transition to an updated local planning system, under which existing documents must either be updated or replaced with new ones that comply with current legislative requirements. The communication is addressed to a wide range of structures, including not only municipal planning authorities, but also agencies overseeing mineral extraction and waste management issues, since they also operate within their own local plans that fall under transitional rules. Such clarifications from the relevant ministry are aimed at reducing uncertainty for local authorities and ensuring a smooth transition from the old planning system to the new one, while minimizing the risks of legal gaps in territorial regulation. The issue is relevant for all administrations whose existing plans were adopted before the reform and formally fall into the 'legacy' category. The Ministry emphasizes the importance of promptly bringing local planning documentation in line with current standards to avoid delays in issuing construction permits and implementing territorial development projects.