Our Local Plan

Local Plan Review

On 3 September 2024 our Cabinet agreed to preparing a full update to the adopted Local Plan. This will set out a plan for how the Borough will develop over future decades. It will include producing new local evidence and opportunities for public engagement and feedback.

Call for Sites

Summer 2025

In line with our commitment to making the best possible use of previously-developed (brownfield) land, we have launched a second Call for Sites, focusing on brownfield and urban land. This will help ensure all reasonable non-Green Belt options are fully explored before any decisions are made.

The Call for Sites is open for submissions until Friday 19 September 2025. Details on how to promote a site for development are available on the Local Plan Portal.

March 2025

The Council held a 'Call for Sites' in March 2025, inviting any interested party to put forward land they believe may be suitable for housing or economic development. A total of 77 site submissions were made. Details of the promoted site submissions are now available to view on the Local Plan Portal.

Register for updates on the Local Plan

What is a Local Plan?

A Local Plan sets out a plan for future sustainable development in the Borough:

  • identifies key areas of land for development to deliver the homes, jobs and services needed
  • includes policies against which all planning applications are considered

It provides the basis for what, where and when development can happen.

The current Local Plan, alongside Neighbourhood Plans and the Minerals and Waste Local Plan, will continue to be used to determine planning applications until the updated Local Plan is completed.

Why does the Local Plan need updating?

The current Local Plan commits to a review of the plan being submitted before October 2026. Planning legislation has also changed so updating the adopted Local Plan will help ensure it reflects local priorities and legislation.

Local Plan Evidence Base

A number of technical studies are being undertaken to inform Our Local Plan. These can be found in the Local Plan Evidence Base.

 

Watch the Leader of the Council, Councillor Max Holloway's message encouraging people to give their views.