The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word PURPOSES
P
U
R
P
O
S
E
S
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "plans" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case plans = purposes.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PURPOSES mean?
PURPOSES noun- An objective to be reached; a target; an aim; a goal.
- A result that is desired; an intention.
- The act of intending to do something; resolution; determination.
- The subject of discourse; the point at issue.
- The reason for which something is done, or the reason it is done in a particular way.
- Instance; example.
- To have set as one's purpose; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.
- (passive) To design for some purpose.
- To discourse.