Winchester civic chiefs have agreed to extend the timetable to adopt the latest Local Plan.

The city council's emerging Local Plan has been delayed by one year, meaning it has change from 2019–2039 to 2020–2040. It will now be adopted by the end of 2025.

The plan will guide all development, including housing, across the district.

The city council's strategic planning manager Adrian Fox told the meeting, on Thursday August 10, that the "decision had not been taken lightly".

The Local Plan sets out the council's vision for development across the district which includes housing and employment.

During its Regulation 18 public consultation, 3,438 representations were received from 967 individuals, businesses, organisations and charities.

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Mr Fox said that a number of factors had meant the extension was needed.
He said: “If we don't have an up-to-date Local Development Scheme, this will create issues that can be raised at the local plan examination.”

Mr Fox gave a presentation to explain the reasons for the change. 

He said: “Nutrient neutrality is a complex national issue affecting 74 local authorities across the country – all local authorities must find a solution to achieving nutrient neutrality. The legislation is relatively new and has been put in place to ensure that residential development does not have an adverse impact on protected waterways.

"To add to the complexity, Winchester is one of 26 local authorities across the country that needs to address both phosphates and nitrates. Site promoters and developers have been asked to demonstrate how they would address nutrients for allocated sites. 

“The last town and employment study took place before Covid 19 and much has changed in that time.

“Engagement and consultation is a very important part of developing the plan. The response rate to Regulation 18 was extremely high and people were highly engaged in the process. This is something that is welcomed and it’s important that each response – some of which were in depth and technical - is given proper consideration and assessment. Therefore, additional time has been given to ensure these are thoroughly reviewed and that the next steps policies reflect the feedback given. 

“This decision has not been taken lightly. We have taken all the factors into account and we need to be able to we can provide a sound local plan. The risk of extending the timetable is minimal as we have a five-year housing land supply.”

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Winchester resident John Morse raised his concern about the council response to the climate crisis. He said: “Some of us find it disturbing that an alleged climate emergency seems to underpin our Local Plan.

“Climate change is at large all the time and human activity is largely irrelevant.

“The council's responsibility is to us and not to the government.”

Cllr Jackie Porter, the committee's chairman, said: “Thank you Mr Morse there are clearly two schools of thought here and you have a different one to what the city council Local Plan holds at the current point.”

Cllr Lucille Thompson said: “We've had a really good discussion. We have made it clear there is absolutely no risk to the five-year land supply. That doesn't leave us in a dangerous position. 

“It has been a very difficult time for our officers with all these movements from government.”

Cllr Caroline Horrill, the city council's Conservative group leader, said: “I'm reassured that the Local Plan is delivered as one of the council's biggest priorities. 

“However, I ask that we give our very best support to our officer team. This is a crucial piece of work for the council.”

The committee approved the revised Local Development Scheme.