diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index a1c6b4b..d204dc8 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -4,3 +4,5 @@ undodir/*
 .vimtmp/*
 view/*
 tmpdir
+WORKSPACE_TEST/
+EXTERNAL_TEST/
diff --git a/MIGRATION_PLAN.md b/MIGRATION_PLAN.md
index 2c84449..251609d 100644
--- a/MIGRATION_PLAN.md
+++ b/MIGRATION_PLAN.md
@@ -65,6 +65,7 @@ Source of truth for the step-by-step rebuild. Keep this concise and up to date.
 - [x] Document `.neoconf.json` usage and example in README
 - [ ] Verify neoconf merges settings into lspconfig
 - [x] Wire `intelephense.environment.includePaths` via `.neoconf.json`
+- [x] Create validation workspaces: `WORKSPACE_TEST/` and `EXTERNAL_TEST/` with sample PHP files
 
 ## Phase 3.5 — LSP minimal defaults
 - [x] Add `nvim-lspconfig` with minimal defaults (no over-configuration)