William Eichler 18 March 2026

Wiltshire Council outlines next steps after Local Plan setback

 Wiltshire Council outlines next steps after Local Plan setback image
Salisbury, Wiltshire © Robert Harding Video / Shutterstock.com.

Wiltshire Council has set out its next steps after planning inspectors rejected its draft Local Plan after nearly a decade of work.

Inspectors examining the plan raised significant concerns about its soundness, presenting the council with two options: withdraw the plan or continue knowing it is likely to be found unsound.

In response, the council said it was disappointed with the outcome after years of work, but remains committed to delivering an up-to-date planning framework.

The Local Plan, which has been in development for nine years, is central to guiding housing, infrastructure and economic growth across the county.

Cllr Adrian Foster, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: ‘We remain firmly committed to ensuring Wiltshire has a robust, up to date Local Plan in place as swiftly as possible.

‘It is therefore regrettable that we find ourselves in this position after so many years of diligent work, extensive community engagement, and significant resource investment.

‘Cabinet and Full Council will formally decide on the next step for the Plan. In the meantime, we are now starting preparations on a new Plan.’

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