Local Plan 2044 underway
Winchester City Council has started preparing a new Local Plan under the Government’s new 30-month plan process.
The City Council adopted its Winchester District Local Plan in March of this year, and this plan remains the plan against which planning applications across the district will be determined. However, under the government’s new reforms, it means the council is now required to start preparing the next plan.
Unlike the previous Local Plan preparation, Local Plans must now be developed under three defined stages within specific timescales and take no longer than 30 months to prepare.
The first stage of the Plan is a scoping consultation which launched on 18 September 2026. This is a very early stage which is asking for views on the main issues the new Local Plan should address, such as housing, the environment, infrastructure and climate change.
It is primarily a technical consultation aimed at organisations such as National Highways, the Environment Agency and other councils and forms part of the evidence gathering stage, however, anyone who would like to, is able to take part.
This first stage does not include locations of future housing or employment sites – these will be considered at a later stage in the process and will be prepared with full public consultation.
Cllr Jackie Porter, Cabinet Member for Place and The Local Plan says
“We are very clear that the best way to protect our district, both now and in the future, is to have a Local Plan in place. We have worked hard to ensure we have an adopted Local Plan in place putting us in a strong position to defend against speculative development, to protect our district and guide development.
While there is currently uncertainty around future council arrangements, we remain committed to ensuring that the Winchester district can continue to shape sustainable development for years to come. We’re serious about protecting and enhancing our environment and ensuring that local people have the homes and infrastructure they need and employment sites that will support future jobs and economic growth.
The Government has introduced significant reforms to plan making and although the process for preparing this plan will differ from previous Local Plans, we will continue to provide opportunities for local people to have their say and play an important role in shaping the plan as it develops.”
The scoping consultation is open from 18 September until 23.59 09 October and full details can be found on the dedicated Local Plan website. Visitors can also sign up for updates via the website. www.localplan.winchester.gov.uk/local-plan-2026-2044