Ashford Borough Council is preparing a new Local Plan which will include a new strategy and planning policies to guide and manage growth and change across the borough to 2041, to ensure that local development is built in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.
What is a Local Plan?
The Local Plan is a legal document which the Council are required to prepare following a process set out in legislation and having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and National Planning Policy Guidance.
The Local Plan is an important legal document which provides an opportunity to:
- shape the places that we live, work and socialise;
- address needs and opportunities in relation to local housing, the local economy, community facilities and infrastructure;
- have a positive impact on the natural and built environment; and
- mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Once adopted, the new Local Plan will replace the current Ashford Local Plan 2030.
What is the Local Plan process?
| Stage | Start Date | Finish Date |
|---|---|---|
| Call for sites | 08 September 2023 | 20 November 2023 |
| Call for site submissions published | 18 March 2024 | |
| Assess sites through the Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) | 20 November 2023 | |
| Evidence gathering and preparation for the Regulation 18 public consultation | ||
| Regulation 18 public consultation | Q2 2025 | |
| Preparation for Regulation 19 public consultation | ||
| Regulation 19 public consultation on the pre-submission draft of the Local Plan | Q1 2026 | |
| Regulation 22 – submission of Local Plan to the Secretary of State | Q3 2026 | |
| Regulation 22 – Examination of the Local Plan | Q4 2026 | |
| Regulation 22 – Modifications consultation | ||
| Regulation 22 – Inspector’s final report on the examination of the Local Plan | ||
| Adoption of the Local Plan | Q2 2027 |
How do I get involved?
Ashford Borough Council want local people and communities, businesses and other interested parties to be involved and have their say.
To get involved and be kept informed on the progress of the emerging Local Plan please sign up to join the Council’s Have Your Say Consultation Portal.
You can see more about how the Council consultss and involve local communities, businesses, and organisation in their Statement of Community Involvement [pdf] 1064KB.