Telford and Wrekin Local Plan judged sound, subject to modifications

Following the Telford and Wrekin Local Plan Examination Hearings, held in February and March this year, Government appointed Planning Inspectors have now confirmed that the Telford and Wrekin Local Plan can be found sound, subject to modifications.

During the Hearings, the Inspectors reviewed whether the proposed Local Plan is robust, evidence based and meets the national planning requirements. They heard from local residents, community representatives, the Council’s planning team, landowners and developers, and other specialists.

Having reviewed the evidence presented to them, the Inspectors have highlighted areas of the Local Plan that require modification, which is a common and expected part of the examination process where the fundamental vision, aims and policies remain sound.

Once reviewed, these modifications, along with any required changes to policy maps and other minor revisions, will be published for a statutory six-week public consultation which will be confirmed shortly. This final consultation on the proposed modifications will be the culmination of a five-year process, which has included three consultations and public examination hearings, through which the public have been able to inform and shape the plan.

The outcomes of the consultation will be shared with the Inspectors, who will then make their final decision. If approved by the Inspectors, the Telford and Wrekin local Plan will go before Cabinet for approval and then be recommended to Full Council for formal adoption, where it will guide where homes, jobs and infrastructure can be built over the next 15 years.

Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability, said: “We are grateful to the Planning Inspectors for their feedback and have taken their recommendations on board. The modifications they have proposed, along with other minor revisions, will now be subject to a further public consultation which will begin soon.

"Once the Inspectors recommend the final modifications and are satisfied that the Plan is sound, subject to their inclusion in the final plan, then our intention is for it to be brought to Full Council by the end of the year for Members to consider approval.”