Our Next Local Plan: city council reaches major milestone under government’s new 30-month timetable
Today, Winchester City Council has triggered the government’s 30-month Local Plan development process, signifying a major milestone in the development of its next Local Plan for the Winchester district.
The city council has now successfully completed the Gateway 1 self-assessment. This is an important step, as it marks the formal start of the Government’s new Local Plan making process.
Winchester City Council adopted its Local Plan 2040 in March 2026, against the backdrop of new planning legislation requiring its next Local Plan preparation to begin immediately, and to a 30-month timetable.
The city council remains committed to ensuring that the district continues to benefit from an effective and up-to-date Local Plan, despite the uncertainty around Local Government Reorganisation in Hampshire.
Cllr Jackie Porter, Cabinet Member for Place and the Local Plan, said: “We are proud of our strong track record of delivering Local Plans which protect and enhance the Winchester district, and we remain absolutely committed to planning positively for the benefit of our place and our communities. Today signifies a major milestone- but one of many in the process of us preparing a robust Local Plan our district deserves.
“The Local Plan development process looks very different now- but we remain committed to stopping speculative development and ensuring the decisions we make now are felt positively for many years to come.
“Under this new 30-month scheme, we will consult with residents, businesses, partners and our communities on our Local Plan policies, vision and aims next year. The voice of local people is so important in this process, so we can develop a plan for new homes, employment sites and infrastructure, which protects our natural environment, waterways and wildlife.”
Winchester City Council published its Local Plan timeline on 30 June 2026, which sets out the periods of public consultation- including the proposed timeline to reach both Gateway 2 and 3 as part of this process.
You can view the latest information and stay informed by visiting our dedicated Local Plan website: www.localplan.winchester.gov.uk/local-plan-2026-2044