Wiltshire Council launches Call for Sites to help shape new Local Plan

Friday, 10 July 2026 06:15

Wiltshire Council has launched a Call for Sites as part of the evidence-gathering process for its new Local Plan.

The council has started work on a new Wiltshire Local Plan and issued a Notice of Intention to Commence Local Plan preparation on 30 June. The Plan is being prepared under the Government’s new plan-making system, with the formal 30-month timetable expected to begin on Friday 30 October.

The new Wiltshire Local Plan will need to plan for significant levels of future growth, with current Government policy requiring around 3,500 new homes per year.

As part of this process, the council must identify sufficient land to meet future needs and consider a range of potential uses, including housing, Gypsy and Traveller accommodation, employment, infrastructure, retail, minerals extraction and waste management.

To help inform this work and identify land that could meet future needs, the council is inviting landowners, developers and local communities to submit land that could be considered for future development through its digital platform.

This initial Call for Sites will run until 30 September 2026.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “The new Local Plan will play a vital role in shaping how Wiltshire grows over the coming years and ensuring that future development is supported by the homes, jobs, infrastructure and services our communities need.

“The Call for Sites is an important early stage of the process. It helps us understand what land may be available across the county and forms part of the evidence needed to prepare a robust Local Plan.

“Submitting a site does not mean it will be allocated for development, but it ensures all potential options can be properly considered.

“We know that planning for around 3,500 homes a year will be challenging, but it is important that we plan positively for Wiltshire’s future.

“Residents, businesses and communities will have opportunities to help shape the Local Plan, and I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future of Wiltshire to get involved.”

The first formal public consultation on the new Local Plan is expected to take place in September 2026, giving residents, businesses and stakeholders an early opportunity to share their views on what the Local Plan should include and how they would like to be involved. Further details on how to take part will be shared nearer to the time.

To submit a site for consideration, go to: Call for sites as part of the preparation of the Wiltshire Local Plan - Wiltshire Council