Consultation is now underway on draft proposals for future housing development and employment sites in south Wiltshire. The South Wiltshire Core Strategy reflects regional growth requirements to provide 12,400 homes and 13,900 jobs in the south Wiltshire area by 2026. The strategy has been in development since 2006 and will provide the policy framework required to manage future development and growth in south Wiltshire. It already takes into account significant consultation undertaken with the local community.

The strategy sets out proposals to ensure future growth is delivered in a managed way, which balances growth with protection of the local environment. There are limited options for accommodating growth in south Wiltshire due to environmental constraints and the strategy sets out what are believed to be the right locations. You can find out more about the consultation and about draft strategy by following this link

www.wiltshire.gov.uk/southwiltshirecorestrategysubmissiondraft.htm

The views and comments from the consultation will be summarised and considered at a special council meeting in October, prior to submitting the document for consideration by the Secretary of State. Representations made during the consultation period will be fully considered by an independent inspector. Council leader, Jane Scott, said: “It is vital that local people can see the development proposals and have the opportunity to make their views known. Whilst we cannot change the overall requirement for growth in the south Wiltshire area we can comment on where the growth is most appropriate.” Consultation started on 10 August, ending on 30 September 2009. Details of the Strategy will be presented to the Salisbury, Amesbury, Southern and South West Wiltshire Area Boards at special meetings in September, at which representatives of the parish and town councils will be present.

Public exhibitions will be held in the south Wiltshire area, between 12.30 pm and 7.00 pm as follows:

01 September, Guildhall, Salisbury

02 September, Victoria Hall, Tisbury

03 September, Antrobus House, Amesbury

07 September, Michael Herbert Hall, Wilton

08 September, Lecture Hall, Mere

10 September, Memorial Hall, Downton

The strategy document will also be made available for viewing at Salisbury, Amesbury, Downton, Durrington, Mere, Tisbury, Wilton and Warminster libraries, as well as the main council offices around the county.

21st August 2009