Councillors back next step in preparing new Local Plan

Residents, businesses, and stakeholders will be invited to help shape the next stage of Bromsgrove District’s new Local Plan after councillors approved the latest steps in the process.

At last week’s (15 July) meeting of Bromsgrove District Council, councillors agreed to consult on the scope of the Bromsgrove District Local Plan as part of the new nationally prescribed process. This initial ‘scoping’ consultation will now run from 24 July to 4 September.

The decision follows publication earlier this year of summaries of around 8,000 responses received during the previous Local Plan consultation, as work continues on a plan to guide development across the district.

Unlike last year’s consultation, which considered possible development locations and strategy options, this stage focuses on the scope of the plan, rather than specific sites.

It seeks views on Bromsgrove’s priorities and challenges, the vision for the district to 2044, the issues the plan should address, and how local communities should be involved as it develops.

The council is also continuing work on evidence relating to infrastructure, environmental impacts, and a revised Green Belt assessment.

Local Plans guide long-term development, covering housing, employment, infrastructure and the environment, while giving communities a say in how their area changes.

Councillor Sue Baxter, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “This important milestone keeps us moving forward under the Government’s new plan-making system.

“Comments submitted during previous consultations have not been forgotten and people do not need to repeat points they have already made there. Those responses will continue to help shape the Local Plan as it progresses. We recognise the strength of feeling on these issues.

“This gives people another opportunity to be involved, and it is important to understand that it is not about choosing development sites. It is about setting the foundations for the Local Plan, identifying the objectives it should meet and how local people want to be involved in shaping it.

“There will be further opportunities to comment as the process continues and we will keep residents informed.”

The Government’s new approach to plan-making is intended to create a clearer, more streamlined process with defined stages for public engagement.

The scoping consultation will run from 24 July to 5pm on 4 September 2026. To take part from that date, visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/BromsgrovePlan-scoping, email bromsgroveplan@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk, or write to Strategic Planning, Bromsgrove District Council, Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA.