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A sound Local Plan provides a clear framework for managing future growth, ensuring development takes place in the right locations while protecting other areas from inappropriate speculative proposals. It helps safeguard green spaces and the natural environment, supports the delivery of high-quality homes and infrastructure, and creates the conditions for continued economic growth and job creation across the borough.

The Inspectors' report, published following the examination of the Local Plan, concludes that with the recommended modifications the Plan satisfies the relevant legal requirements and is sound.

The new Local Plan will replace the existing Telford and Wrekin Local Plan (2011-2031) and set out how the Borough will accommodate future growth to 2041, including new homes, investment, employment opportunities, infrastructure and environmental protections.

The examination hearings took place in February and March 2026 and included contributions from the Council, developers, statutory consultees, community representatives and local residents.

Following the hearings, a schedule of proposed main modifications was prepared and consulted on for six weeks during June and July 2026. Responses received through that consultation were considered by the Inspectors before the publication of their final report.

The Inspectors have concluded that, with the recommended modifications, the Plan provides an appropriate basis for the future planning of the Borough. The modifications cover a range of matters including the plan period, housing requirement and supply, monitoring arrangements and amendments to policies to ensure they are effective and consistent with national planning policy. They also strengthen the Plan’s environmental benefits, for example going beyond the mandatory minimum requirement for a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, by encouraging developers to aim for a 20% Biodiversity Net Gain to further enhance or create new habitats. Alongside these environmental improvements, the Plan requires 35% of new homes in Newport and the rural area to be affordable housing, creating greater opportunities for young people and families to stay in the communities where they have grown up and supporting the long-term sustainability of rural settlements.

Councillor Carolyn Healy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability, said:

"Reaching this stage is a significant milestone in the Local Plan process.

"The Inspectors have concluded that, with their recommended modifications, the Local Plan is sound and capable of adoption. This reflects the considerable amount of work undertaken to prepare the Plan and the input received from residents, businesses, organisations and other stakeholders throughout the process.

"The Local Plan will help provide the framework for future development across the borough, supporting new homes, jobs, infrastructure and investment while also protecting and enhancing the natural and built environment.

"We will now consider the Inspectors' recommendations through the Council's decision-making process and, subject to approval, look forward to taking the Local Plan to Full Council for consideration later this year."

The Inspectors' report and schedule of recommended main modifications will now be considered by Cabinet on 12 November. Subject to Cabinet approval, the Local Plan will then be referred to Full Council for a decision on adoption. If adopted, the Local Plan will become part of the Development Plan for the Borough and guide future decisions on homes, jobs, infrastructure and environmental protection to 2041.

The Planning Inspectors’ final report has been published on the Telford and Wrekin Local Plan website at www.telfordandwrekinlocalplan.co.uk