Inspectors have written to Wiltshire Council recommending that it withdraw its submitted Local Plan and prepare a new one.
It comes after public hearings sessions in November and subsequent exchanges of correspondence. Concerns included the proposed spatial strategy and ‘insufficient consideration’ of reasonable alternatives.
The alternative to withdrawing the submitted plan would be for the council to request that the inspectors proceed to prepare and issue their report on the Local Plan as it was submitted.
However the inspectors warn that ultimately to follow this path would ‘inevitably lead to a recommendation that the Plan is not adopted’.
The council has responded in a letter dated Friday 12 March, expressing its disappointment on a number of points.
Nic Thomas, director of planning, economy and regeneration, writes: “While we recognise and respect your professional judgement, you will not be surprised to hear that we are extremely disappointed and frustrated at the conclusions you have reached and the limited options we have been given.
“The council has taken every reasonable step to prepare a Local Plan that we believe is capable of being found sound, despite extremely challenging circumstances, and a shifting national planning policy and legislative system.”
He adds: “In summary, we acknowledge the challenges you have identified, including the potential for extended timescales and the operational pressures arising from overlap with the new planmaking system.
“Nonetheless, the prospect of withdrawing our Local Plan, which has undergone extensive preparation, community engagement and examination, is disappointing, not least because of the implications for plan‑led decision‑making during a period of substantial pressure on housing delivery and infrastructure planning.”
Now the matter is going before the council’s elected members to decide how to proceed at its cabinet and council meetings on 6 and 19 May.
We will keep you updated about progress and please don’t hesitate to contact us to find out how this affect your plans or project in the area.
