People of Wiltshire urged to take part in new Local Plan consultation
Consultation seeks public input on future housing, jobs, and infrastructure
People in Wiltshire are being asked to help shape the future of housing, jobs and infrastructure in the county as the Council develops its new Local Plan.
The previous plan had to be scrapped, following almost a decade of drafting, after Government inspectors ruled it failed to allocate enough areas for new homes to be built.
The initiative aims to gather public opinions on where future homes, jobs, and infrastructure should be situated across the county.
Adhering to current Government policy, Wiltshire is tasked with planning for approximately 3,500 new homes annually, highlighting the importance of local input in accommodating growth.
Additionally, the plan will consider mineral supply and waste management facility provisions.
The initial public engagement stage, termed the scoping consultation, is scheduled from 2nd to 30th September. During this period, participants can offer their views on the plan’s content and express preferences regarding future involvement as the plan evolves.
Several public engagement events are planned throughout the consultation, providing opportunities to learn more and share feedback. These include:
- Chippenham Market on 4th September, from 8.30am to 4pm
- Salisbury Market on 8th September, from 8.30am to 3pm
- Royal Wootton Bassett Library on 9th September, from 1.30pm to 6.30pm
- Devizes Market on 10th September, from 9am to 3pm
- The Shires in Trowbridge on 15th September, from 10am to 3pm
A public webinar is also scheduled for 17th September, from 6pm to 7pm.
Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, emphasised the significance of public participation, stating: "The Local Plan will help shape Wiltshire for future generations, so it is important that as many people as possible take part in this first stage of consultation."
Following the scoping consultation, the Local Plan procedure will formally commence on 30th October, adhering to the Government's 30‑month timetable for plan preparation and adoption.