Wokingham Borough Council has published its Local Plan Update: Proposed Submission Plan (Regulation 19). This sets out the planning policies proposed to manage development across the borough to 2040.
Representations can be made on the plan and must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 13 November 2024.
At this stage representations should focus on whether the plan is legally compliant and meets the ‘tests of soundness’, as set out in paragraph 35 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and below:
- Positively prepared – providing a strategy which, as a minimum seeks to meet the area’s objectively assessed needs, and is informed by agreements with other authorities, so that unmet need from neighbouring authorities is accommodated where it is practical to do so and is consistent with achieving sustainable development;
- Justified – an appropriate strategy, taking into account the reasonable alternatives, and based on proportionate evidence;
- Effective – deliverable over the plan period and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic matters that have been dealt with rather than deferred, as evidenced by the statement of common ground; and
- Consistent with national policy – enabling the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the NPPF.
Information on how to make a representation and further documentation on the plan can be found at: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/planning-policy/emerging-local-plan-update/current-consultations
Earley Town Council has made representation to the consultation.