RESIDENTS, businesses and community groups are being urged to ‘have their say’ as the first consultation on the new Wiltshire Local Plan begins next week.
The plan will help shape where homes, jobs and infrastructure are provided across Wiltshire in the years ahead, influencing where future growth will take place, supported by the services and facilities communities need.
Current Government policy requires Wiltshire Council to plan for around 3,500 new homes each year – the consultation offers local communities the opportunity to help shape how this growth is accommodated. The plan will also address the supply of minerals and provision of waste management facilities.
The first stage of public engagement, known as the scoping consultation, will run from September 2-30, seeking views on what the new Local Plan should contain, as well as how people would like to be involved as the plan develops.
Wiltshire Local Plan public engagement events
A series of public engagement events, along with a public webinar, will take place during the consultation, giving people the opportunity to find out more and share their views. The locations are:
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- Chippenham Market – Friday, September 4, 8.30am to 4pm
- Salisbury Market – Tuesday, September 8, 8.30am to 3pm
- Royal Wootton Bassett Library – Wednesday, September 9, 1.30pm to 6.30pm
- Devizes Market – Thursday, September 10, 9am to 3pm
- The Shires, Trowbridge – Tuesday, September 15, 10am to 3pm
- Public webinar – Thursday, September 17, 6pm to 7pm
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Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Councillor Ian Thorn, said: “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.
“Development is not just about new homes; when planned well it can help deliver the infrastructure, services and opportunities that support thriving communities.
“We know there are different views about how Wiltshire should grow and develop in the years ahead. This consultation is an opportunity for residents, businesses and organisations to tell us what they think the plan should focus on and the issues that matter most to them.
“The feedback we receive will help us set the direction for the new Local Plan and ensure communities are involved from the very beginning of the process. This is about working together to plan for growth in a way that reflects local needs and makes new development as positive as possible for Wiltshire’s communities.”
Following the scoping consultation, the Local Plan process will officially begin on October 30, when the Government’s 30‑month timetable for preparing and adopting the plan starts.
For more information, visit the Wiltshire Council website.
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