Cabinet agrees to start work on new Wiltshire Local Plan

Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed to begin work on a new Local Plan for the county, setting out how Wiltshire will grow and develop in the years ahead.

This follows the decision taken last month to withdraw the previous Local Plan from examination following concerns raised by the appointed Planning Inspectors.

The decision follows changes to the national planning system, which require councils to prepare Local Plans within an accelerated 30-month timescale.

Work will begin immediately, with the council planning to issue a Notice of Commencement by Tuesday, 30 June.

An initial scoping consultation is planned for September, giving residents, businesses and stakeholders the opportunity to help shape the plan at an early stage. The 30-month timeline will then begin on Friday, 30 October.

Further public consultations will follow during future stages of the plan-making process.

Once completed, the new Wiltshire Local Plan will replace the council’s existing development plans and provide an up-to-date framework to guide decisions on housing, employment, infrastructure and environmental protection across the county.

Cabinet also agreed that the new Local Plan will include minerals and waste planning and that there would no longer be a separate plan for Gypsies and Travellers, creating a single, comprehensive plan for the county.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “Starting work on a new Local Plan means we can plan positively for Wiltshire’s future, making sure development is in the right places, supported by the right infrastructure, and shaped by the views of local people.

“The new approach to plan-making gives us the opportunity to make the process more open and accessible, using modern tools to improve how we engage with residents and stakeholders.

“Meaningful consultation will be at the heart of this work, giving communities the ongoing opportunity to have their say, help shape proposals, and ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of Wiltshire’s residents and businesses.

“However, we must be clear – because of the Government's approach to how housing need is calculated, this new Local Plan will need to plan for around 3,500 homes per year, an increase from just under 2,000 homes per year. This is a significant number, and it will be challenging, but by working with our communities, I am confident we can deliver these new homes for residents.”

The new Local Plan will play a key role in delivering Wiltshire Council’s priorities, including supporting sustainable growth, protecting the environment and ensuring communities have the homes, jobs and services they need.

Further details about the consultation and how people can get involved will be published later this year.

To find out more and read the Cabinet papers, people should go to: Agenda - Democratic Services - Wiltshire Council