Thank you to everyone who took part in our ‘Regulation 19 Publication’ from 23 July to 17 September 2026. This consultation has now closed. You can view the responses where respondents have given permission.
The revised Local Plan, along with comments, will be submitted to Government later this year.
A Government appointed Planning Inspector will examine the Local Plan in 2027 when the comments will be considered.
If approved by the Planning Inspector, the new Local Plan will be used to help decide planning applications from 2028.
About the New Local Plan
The Local Plan will guide how new developments are delivered between 2027 and 2042. It includes potential development sites, proposed by landowners, to meet the Government’s significantly increased local housing target of 17,460 new homes. That's 1,164 new homes every year, a 63% increase on the current housing target.
While the new Local Plan proposes to make the best use of sites within existing built-up areas and brownfield land, the Government’s amended planning laws require councils to use Green Belt land to meet its housing target.
Failing to meet the housing target could lead to the Local Plan being refused by Planning Inspectors. This would leave the District open to piecemeal development, which makes it harder for infrastructure providers to holistically consider the impact of new housing development on their services. The Government could also determine planning applications in the District instead of the Council.
The Local Plan includes sites, spread across a broad range of settlements in the District, to meet the Government’s housing target in full, including much-needed affordable homes. All the sites that are under consideration have been put forward by landowners and developers. We have assessed the sites to check their suitability, availability and deliverability.
As well as new homes, the Local Plan includes proposals to support the economy by protecting business space and high streets and the provision of new infrastructure such as schools, shops, health centres and improved local transport.
While some Green Belt land is being proposed to meet national housing targets, the Local Plan will continue to protect the overwhelming majority of the Green Belt and the District’s environment and unique and special character.
Further information
Local Plan (Regulation 19 Publication version)
View the proposed development sites using our interactive map (tick ‘All Suitable SHELAA Sites 2026) and the Evidence Base documents that support the Local Plan.