Purpose

To make a recommendation on proceeding with one of the two options presented by the Inspectors' examining the Local Plan in their letter of 27 February 2026 and consider next steps for the Wiltshire Local Plan.

Decision

Resolved:

That Cabinet recommends to Full Council:

1)    the Wiltshire Local Plan Pre-Submission Draft 2020-2038 is withdrawn from examination.

That Cabinet:

2)    Delegates to the Director of Planning, Economic and Regeneration, in consultation with the Director for Legal and Governance, to take all steps as necessary in line with legislation to complete the withdrawal of the Local Plan Pre-Submission Draft 2020-2038 from examination.

3)    Notes that a report will be brought to Cabinet in advance of the 30June 2026 deadline to seek approval to commence a new Local Plan.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure that the council is able to respond appropriately to the Inspectors’ letter dated 27 February 2026.

To ensure that the council moves forward as expeditiously as possible in the preparation of its new Local Plan, and further costs to the council are minimised.