Local Plan consultation launches next month

Tuesday, 22 August 2023 01:00

The consultation for the Wiltshire Local Plan begins on Wednesday, 27th September, with in-person and an online event being held across the county to enable people to find out more and have their say.

Wiltshire Council is holding 16 drop-in events at libraries and leisure centres around Wiltshire and a live webinar-style event on Thursday, 10th October, on Microsoft Teams.

The in-person events are informal drop-in sessions where people can meet officers and learn more about the Local Plan and how to respond to the consultation. The online session will feature a presentation, followed by an opportunity to ask questions; people should sign up for the online event on the council website beforehand.

Events local to us: Amesbury Library - Monday 2nd October, 3-7 pm Salisbury Library - Tuesday 17th October, 3-7 pm Tidworth Leisure Centre - Wednesday 18th October, 3-7pm

The Local Plan sets out the vision and framework for housing, infrastructure and land for employment growth for the next 15 years. Once adopted, all planning applications will be determined against the Plan, making it the most important place-shaping document for Wiltshire.

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “This is the final consultation stage for the Wiltshire Local Plan before the Examination in Public next year, and so it’s important that people take the time to have their say. And we’re giving them every opportunity to find out more, by holding 16 drop-in events at different venues around the county throughout the next month.

“We are also holding an online session, and people will be able to read all of the Local Plan documents on our website and at our main offices, and the Plan will also be available in many Wiltshire Council libraries. People can share their views through our online portal, and anyone without internet access can visit a library to use the computers there, or contact our team to get a written copy of the representation form and find out how to view the documents.

“This is the most ambitious and environmentally conscious Local Plan Wiltshire has ever produced, with zero carbon standards for new homes and policies to increase biodiversity at all new developments. We’re also ensuring we only build the homes we need to over the Plan period to 2038 and no more, while also maximising brownfield sites and ensuring developments have their fair share of affordable homes.

“I’d urge anyone with an interest in the future of Wiltshire to take part in this consultation and share their views.”

The consultation begins on Wednesday, 27th September and ends at 23:59 on Wednesday, 22nd November.

To find out more and to sign up for the online event, people should go to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/local-plan.