Moving to the next stage of the Local Plan
Winchester City Council is moving to the next stage of producing its new Local Plan which will shape and guide development across the district (for areas outside the South Downs National Park) for the period up to 2040.
Following feedback from stakeholders and communities across the Winchester district, the council published its draft Regulation 19 proposed submission Local Plan last month, which was discussed at a Scrutiny Committee meeting on 29 July and again at Cabinet on 19 August.
In an amended timetable, the Local Plan will go to full Council on 28 August. This means the Local Plan can be consulted on and submitted for examination prior to any changes which may arise as a result of the government's new consultation into proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework.
At meetings of full Council, members of the public are able to ask questions about the subject matter being discussed. Ordinarily, these should be submitted five days before the meeting. However, given the significance of the Regulation 19 Local Plan and the recent change in timetable for this meeting, the Mayor in his role as Chair, has given his permission for the deadline to be extended to 5pm on Monday 26 August . Please email democracy@winchester.gov.uk with your question.
The feedback from previous consultation has been fundamental in shaping the plan to this stage; providing critical feedback and highlighting areas where further evidence has needed to be gathered. This has all been incorporated into this stage of the Local Plan Development.
The Local Plan addresses some major challenges including:
- Addressing the challenge of climate change head on, being instrumental in the council’s goal of being a carbon neutral district by 2030. It sets the highest standards possible for environmental design for homes and commercial development and making it attractive, safe and easy to walk, cycle and use other low carbon methods of transport
- Recognising it’s harder for all ages and especially younger generations to find homes they can afford. There is no longer an expectation for developments to provide affordable homes – there will be a requirement.
- Protecting the district’s chalk streams and rivers from nutrient pollution.
- Ensuring the delivery and timing of infrastructure for local communities where development is proposed.
The proposed submission Local Plan ensures the district remains an attractive and successful place which supports the district’s economy and communities, whilst protecting the rich heritage, biodiversity and landscape.
The proposed submission Local Plan (Regulation 19) is the final version of the Plan before it is submitted to the Secretary of State and the Planning Inspectorate for an examination in public. It builds on all the feedback received from the strategic issues & priorities document (over 2,200 responses) and from the Regulation 18 consultation in 2022 where 3400 individuals and organisations gave feedback on several different policies within the plan.
Cllr Jackie Porter, Cabinet Member for Place and the Local Plan said:
We’ve always said this is ‘Your Place, Your Plan’ and this is why we have very carefully reviewed and responded to the feedback we have received. We are extremely grateful for the time people have given us to share their views. Our plan will help us set the highest possible standards for the future of our district, protecting our environment while ensuring future generations will have responsibly placed and sustainable homes.’
If agreed, consultation on the proposed Submission Local Plan is expected to begin following the meeting of Council.