People throughout Wiltshire can now have their say on the Local Plan review, and the Gypsy and Travellers Plan, as the consultations begins today (14th January 2021).
The Local Plan consultation is the perfect opportunity for residents, business and other Wiltshire stakeholders, such as town and parish councils, to share their views on where future development - including housing, infrastructure and land for employment - may be built in their area for the next 15 years.
Conservative led Wiltshire Council has to allocate sufficient land to satisfy the county's housing and employment needs up to 2036, and in this consultation, people will be able to give their feedback on whether the suggested distribution of housing numbers across the county is correct, and which of the proposed development sites are most suitable. It is also looking to develop its planning policies to help tackle climate change.
Conservative Cllr Toby Sturgis, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: "The Local Plan sets out where development, such as housing, may be built in Wiltshire up until 2036, so it's important that people use this opportunity to take part in the consultation and let us know what they think.
"Although there will be another chance to comment on the draft Local Plan later in the year, this is a key stage in the plan-making process, as it gives communities and businesses the opportunity to let us know what they think about proposed development in their area before the Plan is finalised for consultation and examination. We also want people's thoughts on how we can tackle climate change through planning.
"I'd encourage anyone with an interest in development in their community, whether it's a town or village, to take part in this consultation process, sign up for our online engagement events to find out more, and then submit their comments."
The council is also holding a series of online engagement sessions to enable people to find out more about the proposals their area. There are 17 events; 15 that each relate to a particular settlement, and two events for rural areas, which include all other Wiltshire villages and settlements that are not covered in the other 15 events.
Find out more about the Local Plan review, view documents, have your say, and sign up for one of the online engagement sessions here: Local Plan Review.
In addition, the council is also consulting on the proposed scope and content of the Gypsies and Travellers Plan, which will look to allocate land for travellers in sustainable locations to meet their permanent and temporary accommodation needs up until 2036. Find out more about the Gypsies and Travellers plan.
