Wolverhampton to kick-off 2045 local plan

Wolverhampton has started work on a replacement local development plan – despite the authority’s current strategy awaiting sign off from government planning inspectors.

The council’s current ‘Wolverhampton Local Plan’ is awaiting the outcome of an independent examination by the planning inspectorate under the government’s previous plan-making system, and is due to be adopted next year.

But a quirk of planning reforms outlined in March – ostensibly aimed at simplifying the plan-making process – means some local authorities are now having to start work on replacement strategies, even before emerging plans have been adopted.

The revised plan-making regulations and associated guidance establish a new “timetable-based” approach, which the government says is faster than the previous, more open-ended process.

Having issued a formal notice of intention on 30 June, City of Wolverhampton Council’s scrutiny panel will consider the first stage of a process to create a replacement local plan next week.

The process is expected to be given the thumbs-up by cabinet later this month, kicking off a scoping consultation which is set to take place from 27 July to 8 September 8.

The consultation will seek views on what the replacement plan will cover, any supporting evidence that may be required to inform it, and a community engagement strategy for the plan preparation process.

Once the consultation is completed, a new ‘Wolverhampton Plan’ process will follow a statutory 34-month preparation timetable, with two chances for the public to comment; at a public examination and prior to adoption of the new plan in 2029.

City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Clr Stephen Simkins, said: “It remains critical to have a local plan in place to provide certainty for our communities and support regeneration and investment in our city.

“The revised National Planning Policy Framework means we are now legally required to develop a local plan that fits the new government plan-making system – and this report is an important part of that process.

“In the meantime, we await the outcome of the local plan we submitted under the previous plan-making system.

“Both plans will help facilitate a vibrant mixed use city centre and enable new housing and employment opportunities on brownfield sites across the city, supporting local centres and strengthening the local economy.”