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.

More from Local News

Man sentenced after motorcyclist suffers life-changing injuries in collision

A man has been sentenced after colliding with a motorcyclist on the A303 near Bulford, leaving him with life-changing injuries.
South Western Ambulance Service appeals for public support amid record-breaking demand

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is appealing to residents and visitors across the South West to help protect emergency services this weekend, after experiencing its busiest day on record.
ALABARÉ Learning Disability Service Honoured as Finalists in National Awards

Salisbury-based charity ALABARÉ is delighted to have been recognised at the National Learning Disability and Autism Awards 2026, in the Supported Housing category.
Former Loanee signs for the Whites permanently from Oxford United

Salisbury FC say they are delighted to announce that talented left-back Richard McIntyre has signed on for his first permanent stint at the Ray Mac after a successful loan period last season for the Whites.
Promising forward signs from Basingstoke Town

Salisbury FC have announced that 21-year-old forward Robbie Gallagher is the latest summer addition for the Whites, joining from Southern Premier League outfit Basingstoke Town.
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.
Staff Working Hard to Keep Animals Cool at Rare Breeds Farm

Staff at Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm are working hard to keep the animals cool and safe during the heatwave.
South Western Railway extends advice to only travel if essential to Friday

SOUTH Western Railway (SWR) is extending its advice for customers to only travel if essential to Friday 26 June, as Britain's record-breaking extreme heatwave continues.