Update to the Local Plan agreed

Last night, (21 February) our full council agreed that an update to our Local Plan: Strategies and Sites (2019) (LPSS) is necessary. 

We will now look in greater detail at our evidence including the housing, retail and commercial needs of our borough.   

The first phase of the process will consider the budget, timetable and scope of work required to carry out a Local Plan update. We anticipate this phase will be complete before the end of the year when more clarity on the Government's approach to planning reform is expected. A report detailing these findings will come back to Executive for review and approval.  

Lead Councillor for Planning, Cllr Fiona White, says:  

"I believe this is the right decision. There have been a lot of changes to the way we live since the existing plan was adopted in 2019. An updated plan will reflect the way we run our lives now.  

We will now decide what evidence we need and the best way of gathering it. Regular updates and any significant developments will be communicated promptly. We are committed to transparency at every stage of this process. We understand the importance of keeping our residents informed about timelines and key milestones. I encourage residents to stay engaged and, at the appropriate time, to share your thoughts with us.  

"I also want to remind residents that this does not mean our existing Local Plan will become redundant. It will remain the primary consideration in determining development applications in the borough."   

It is a legal requirement for us to review our Local Plan within five years of its adoption. It's also vital for us to keep our Local Plan up to date to create a thriving and sustainable community that addresses the evolving needs and aspirations of our residents.

Published 22 February 2024

Previous releases about our Local Plan

26 January 2024: Executive recommends updating the Local Plan: Strategies and Sites

22 November 2023: Review of Local Plan underway