Local Plan

Our Local Plan (PDF, 8 MB) covers issues including:

• how many new homes are needed and where they should be located
• the amount and proposed location of new employment land
• how we can protect and enhance the natural and historic environment
• plans for new infrastructure and the improvement of town centres and community facilities

We use our Local Plan (PDF, 8 MB) and the maps associated with it to help us make decisions on planning applications.

The Council's adopted Local Plan was five years old in January 2024. A Local Plan review was presented to Full Council meeting on Wednesday 24 January, 2024. It was agreed that a new Local Plan be undertaken under the new plan-making system which is being brought in force through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (2023).

The Council is tracking the emerging reforms and will publish a formal timetable as appropriate, and further updates will be provided here. Based on current information, it is anticipated that scoping work on the Local Plan will begin in September 2025. Formal commencement on the plan will follow in 2026 with adoption expected in March 2029 in accordance with the government's 30-month timeframe for Local Plan production.