If you read our previous update on the Wiltshire Local Plan Examination, you will be aware of the Inspectors’ concerns about the soundness of the Plan and their clear steer that withdrawal should be on the table. At the forthcoming Cabinet meeting on 6 May, Officers recommend, in no uncertain terms, that the Plan be withdrawn.
The recommendation to withdraw a Local Plan is something which is not undertaken lightly but is a pragmatic acceptance of the hard facts facing the Council; the Plan is unsound, and the time and work required to make the Plan sound is simply unworkable. This is not a failure on a single point, but the culmination of a multitude of factors, some within the control of the Council (the time spent to prepare the Plan) and some outside of their control (various changes in planning policy).
If the Plan is withdrawn: what it means in practice
So, assuming that members follow the Officers’ recommendation, what will this mean?
The consequences of the withdrawal are significant for those with development and land interests in the County.
Housing land supply and the tilted balance
Starting with the matter of housing land supply, it’s well known that the Council has a serious shortfall. The withdrawal of the Local Plan means that this will not be rectified any time soon. As a consequence, whilst the development plan is the starting point for planning applications, the presumption in favour of sustainable development (paragraph 11d) will also be engaged. This allows unallocated sites to come forward.
The development plan position and policy ‘gap’ risk
Moving on to the development plan itself, the current Core Strategy’s Plan period expires this year. So, technically, while there are policies governing directions and levels of growth across the county, these are framed by a Plan period which ends in 2026. Our view is that, whilst the principles of development strategy remain somewhat timeless (build in sustainable locations), the Plan does not have the policy tools in place to limit the quantum of growth to specific locations, going forward into 2027 and beyond.
Neighbourhood planning and decision-making
There are, of course, other consequences with Neighbourhood Planning and concerns from rural communities about what the above means for speculative development coming forward. Whilst the Cabinet Report does not acknowledge this directly, reference is made to “effective communications and robust decision-making”.
Opportunities and next steps for promoters and landowners
But it’s not all bad news. If the Plan is withdrawn, the Council will commence with Plan-making under the 2026 Regulations. Also, the new Plan gives the Council the opportunity to review the failings of the previous one. This, of course, gives landowners and developers a huge opportunity to promote and revisit sites, seeking their allocation through the new Local Plan. We have a track record in Wiltshire and it’s a county we know well.
Working with McLoughlin Planning
If you have a site which you believe may have development potential in Wiltshire, we would be pleased to discuss your proposals and explore how we can help bring them forward.
At McLoughlin Planning, our objective is simple: to achieve results for our clients through high-quality planning consultancy. Our team of Chartered Town Planning Consultants provides strategic advice and planning solutions across southern England and Wales, working on projects ranging from strategic land promotion and commercial development to private residential schemes and rural diversification projects.
Following the acquisition of Plainview Planning in 2024, our Group now combines the expertise of 13 planning professionals and support staff. This collaboration enables us to deliver commercially minded, creative solutions to a wide range of planning challenges.
For larger, strategic or complex projects — such as land promotions, multi-phase developments or aviation schemes — our McLoughlin Planning team can provide specialist advice.
For householder projects, developments of 10 dwellings or fewer, or smaller independent commercial schemes, our dedicated Plainview Planning team offers tailored support.
If you have a development proposal that could benefit from expert planning consultancy input, you can explore our team via our About Us page or contact us through the Arrange a Call option on our contact page, or via the email address and telephone number provided below.
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As always, the content of this article was correct at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date advice on planning policy and development opportunities, please contact our team.
Nathan McLoughlin – Managing Director
T: 01242895008
E: nathan.mcloughlin@mplanning.co.uk
