Borough Local Plan update

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead’s emerging Borough Local Plan is now able to move a step closer to delivery which will help shape the next two decades of growth and facilitate new homes and infrastructure in the borough.

The examination of the plan was initially paused when the Planning Inspector, Mrs Louise Phillips, asked the council to carry out further work on the plan to resolve issues highlighted during her stage one public hearing in June 2018.

The additional work necessitated some changes to the version of the plan that was originally submitted for examination.

The council carried out consultation on these proposed changes late last year and examination hearings were due to take place earlier this year but were paused due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Once adopted, the plan will run retrospectively from 2013 until 2033 and will help guide where developments including housing, leisure, retail, office and open space should be sited and how they will fit in with existing and planned infrastructure.

Councillor David Coppinger, lead member for planning, says: “The examination progress was paused because of the coronavirus pandemic but I am pleased to say that the Planning Inspector and the council are now discussing how we can move forward fairly and safely.

“We await confirmed dates for the next stage of hearings and we are pleased that the Inspector has set out the matters, issues and questions she wants to explore further in her examination.

“She has invited written submissions from residents and others who have already made representations on the Borough Local Plan in the previous formal consultations. It is essential that everyone who wishes to comment reads the guidance note carefully as the Inspector has laid down certain requirements to ensure that the process runs smoothly and time is not wasted.

“The Inspector will use these written submissions to help her decide what issues she wants to explore further in hearings and what can be determined through the written submissions themselves.

“I am delighted that we are progressing and I am pleased that both parties are working together on next steps to progress the plan.

The Inspector’s guidance and Matters Issues and Questions are published on the council’s website.