Wiltshire Council responds to Local Plan Inspectors

Tuesday, 17 March 2026 15:57

Wiltshire Council has formally responded to the Planning Inspectors following their 27th February letter about the Wiltshire Local Plan Examination.

The Inspectors wrote to the council with two options – to either withdraw the Local Plan from examination or request that the Inspectors draft a final report, which would recommend non-adoption.

In response, the council has strongly expressed its disappointment at the Inspectors’ conclusions and the limited options presented for the future of the Plan, which has been in development for nine years.

The council has taken every reasonable step to prepare a Local Plan capable of being found ‘sound’ despite significant pressures, including a shifting national planning policy environment and increased housing requirements. It has worked constructively throughout the examination and provided a realistic and pragmatic programme for addressing the issues raised during the examination process.

The council is also concerned about significant changes in the Inspectors’ position compared to the recommendations given in December 2025, and the fact that the Inspectors did not take up the council’s offer to clarify any assumptions to avoid misunderstandings.

Cllr Adrian Foster, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “We remain firmly committed to ensuring Wiltshire has a robust, up‑to‑date Local Plan in place as swiftly as possible.

“It is therefore regrettable that we find ourselves in this position after so many years of diligent work, extensive community engagement, and significant resource investment.

“Cabinet and Full Council will formally decide on the next step for the Plan. In the meantime, we are now starting preparations on a new Plan.”

The decision on the Inspectors’ two options for the Local Plan will now be considered by Cabinet on 6th May and then Full Council on 19th May.