Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet has approved the next steps for the Wiltshire Local Plan, allowing it to move forward to Full Council for consideration ahead of the proposed submission to the Secretary of State by the end of the year.
The Local Plan outlines the vision and framework for housing, infrastructure and employment land growth to 2038. Once adopted, it will become the key document against which all planning applications in Wiltshire are assessed, making it the most significant place-shaping tool for the county.
The council previously held a Regulation 19 consultation on the Local Plan in autumn 2023. Since then, it has completed further work in response to the feedback from Wiltshire’s communities, local and national organisations, planning agents, and other stakeholders, to inform and assist the examination process.
During the consultation, more than 10,700 comments from thousands of respondents were received. If the full council approves the plan, these responses, along with the Plan, will be considered an independent Planning Inspector next year.
Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “We received a substantial number of comments on this Local Plan, which took time to carefully consider thoroughly. I’m pleased to confirm that Cabinet has approved this ambitious Plan, allowing it to proceed to the next stage.
“As well as suggesting appropriate sites for housing and employment development, the Local Plan also sets out ambitious sustainability policies, as all new developments will have to meet zero carbon standards, improve biodiversity and also have cycling and walking connections.”
The Full Council will now consider the Plan on 15th October. If approved, it will be submitted to the Planning Inspector, along with all comments from the autumn 2023 consultation, by the end of the year before examination hearings are held in 2025.
To find out more about the Local Plan, people should go to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/local-plan
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