Local Plan enters final stage as consultation on main modifications launched
Winchester City Council has reached the final stages before adopting the Winchester District Local Plan by launching a public consultation on the Main Modifications following the recent public examination hearings.
This eight-week consultation on the Main Modifications is one of the final stages in Local Plan development and is a key milestone in adopting a plan.
Public examination hearings were held earlier this year, led by a Government-appointed Planning Inspector. Following these hearings, the Inspector has now recommended some Main Modifications, which form part of this consultation.
Main Modifications is a usual part of a local plan process where the council suggests amendments to the plan and the Inspector, following the examination hearings, suggests further ones to ensure our Local Plan meets the legal requirements set by government.
This consultation is only about these modifications and not the wider Plan. However, the council would like to provide assurance that comments and representations made in previous Local Plan consultations already form part of the evidence provided to the Inspector.
Councillor Jackie Porter, Cabinet Member for Place and The Local Plan, said: “This is another positive step forward to ensure we adopt a Local Plan for our district which delivers the highest possible environmental standards, more affordable homes, protects our chalk streams and rivers, and ensures any development in our area is properly planned.
“I urge people to view the Main Modifications and let us know what they think. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your say as it’s such an important plan.
“This new Local Plan will help us to tackle the Climate Emergency and get the infrastructure we need. This council remains committed to going Greener Faster; reducing carbon emissions and energy bills for our residents- We’re proud this Local Plan commits to delivering all of this.”
Once the Inspector has considered the responses to this Main Modifications consultation, it is hoped they will then provide the council with a final report, which will be presented and considered when the Council meets early next year.
The council hopes the Winchester District Local Plan can then proceed to successful adoption in spring 2026.
The Main Modifications, supporting documents and guidance on how to take part in the consultation are available on the council's dedicated Local Plan website: www.localplan.winchester.gov.uk/proposed-modification-consultation
Hard copies of all the documents are also available to view at the City Offices in Winchester, along with all public libraries across the district.
The consultation closes at 23:59 on Friday 16 January 2025