Council submits Local Plan to Secretary of State for examination

Wiltshire Council has officially submitted its Local Plan to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

The examination process will assess whether the plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements and if it meets the statutory test of soundness.

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.

More than 10,700 comments from thousands of respondents were received during the consultation. These responses, along with the Plan, will now be considered by the independent Planning Inspectorate.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said, We're delighted to have submitted our Local Plan for examination and I'd like to pay tribute to our officers who have worked so hard to complete this complex and important strategic document.

This is our most ambitious Local Plan to date. In addition to identifying suitable sites for housing and employment, it introduces bold sustainability policies. All new developments will be required to achieve zero-carbon standards, enhance biodiversity, and include cycling and walking connections.

To find out more about the Local Plan, people should go to: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/local-plan