Shropshire Council has launched a major public consultation to define how the county will evolve over the next two decades. This scoping phase is the first step in drafting a new Local Plan, a document that dictates where homes are built, how jobs are created, and which natural spaces receive protection through 2046.
Residents, business owners, and local stakeholders have until 15 July to submit their views. Unlike later stages of planning, this initial consultation does not focus on specific development sites. Instead, it asks the community to help set the overarching vision and priorities for the region’s future. This includes identifying the most pressing issues facing Shropshire today and determining how growth can be managed sustainably without compromising the county’s historic and natural assets.
Defining the vision for Shropshire through 2046
The Local Plan serves as the primary framework for all future development. It coordinates the delivery of housing and employment land while ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and service delivery are in place to support a growing population. For the first time, this plan will also incorporate the Minerals and Waste Plan, creating a unified strategy for resource management and environmental protection.
David Walker, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning, emphasized that early involvement is the most effective way for residents to have a say. The council aims to align the plan with the actual needs of the community, ensuring that the “right development happens in the right places.” This move follows a leadership reshuffle prioritizes housing and financial sustainability across the authority.
The essentials of the scoping consultation
During this stage, the council is seeking feedback on several key areas:
- Vision and Priorities: What should Shropshire look like in 20 years?
- Sustainability: How should the county balance economic growth with environmental targets?
- Evidence Base: What types of data and local knowledge should inform future planning decisions?
- Engagement: How should the council communicate with residents as the plan progresses?
Where to meet planning officers in person
To help residents understand the technical aspects of the Local Plan, a series of drop-in sessions are being held at libraries and community hubs throughout June. These sessions allow the public to speak directly with planning policy officers and view supporting documents.
| Location | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Ludlow Library | 2 June, 1pm – 3pm |
| Whitchurch Library | 2 June, 2pm – 4pm |
| Oswestry Library | 4 June, 10am – 12pm |
| Shifnal Library | 12 June, 10am – 12pm |
| Albrighton Library | 16 June, 10am – 12pm |
| Broseley Library | 16 June, 2pm – 4pm |
| Shrewsbury Guildhall | 17 June, 2pm – 4pm |
| Bishop’s Castle Library | 18 June, 10am – 12pm |
| Market Drayton Festival Centre | 19 June, 9.30am – 4pm |
| Highley Library | 26 June, 10am – 12pm |
Submitting your feedback
All documents related to the scoping consultation, including the ‘Notice of Intention to Commence Plan Making’ and the new plan-making timetable, are available on the Shropshire Council website. Residents can submit their comments through the online portal or by visiting one of the scheduled drop-in events.
Once the consultation closes on 15 July, the council will review all feedback to inform the next stage of the plan. This will eventually lead to the identification of specific development options and draft proposals, which will be subject to further rounds of public scrutiny before the plan is finalized.
Source: Shropshire Council Newsroom
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