City council’s Cabinet recommends Winchester District Local Plan for adoption
The Winchester District Local Plan has been recommended for adoption at the city council’s Council meeting next week.
Winchester City Council has been progressing its Local Plan through the examination process, and on Wednesday 11 March it received confirmation from the Independent Planning Inspector, R Barrett MRTPI IHBC, that they found the plan, with the main modifications, to be sound, legally compliant and ready for adoption.
Following the examination hearings which took place last summer, the eight-week public consultation on the Main Modifications concluded earlier this year, which ensured the Winchester District Local Plan met all the legal requirements set by government.
Councillor Jackie Porter, Cabinet Member for Place and Local Plan, said: “Having an adopted Local Plan is the best protection for our district – it means development here is planned, rather than speculative - and it puts us in strong position to fight off unwanted development applications.
“This plan asks for the highest possible environmental standards from development, cutting energy bills as we reduce carbon. It gives us more affordable homes, and it makes sure development is properly planned, so that residents can thrive alongside the animals and plants in the natural world around us.
“At today's cabinet meeting, my colleagues and I endorsed this Plan and I look forward to discussing it further with all district councillors at the public meeting next week.”
The plan is being considered for adoption through the city council’s democratic decision-making process, and has been debated at Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet, prior to the final decision being made on Tuesday 24 March 2026.
Read the report and all supporting information on our website: Agenda for Council on Tuesday, 24th March, 2026, 6.30 pm - Winchester City Council