Borough Local Plan (Core Strategy)

The council is currently preparing a Borough Local Plan (also known as a Core Strategy). Simply put, this plan will guide what type, how much and where development in the borough is going over the next 15 years, and how it's going to happen. The plan will contain planning guidance and policies that apply across the whole of the borough.

Sites Consultation

To help us produce this plan we undertook a second consultation specifically seeking views on potential site allocations. The consultation was based on a list of sites suggested by residents, landowners, elected members, parish councils and neighbourhood planning groups, which was approved by Cabinet in October. Details of the sites can be viewed here:

• List of all sites consulted on

In addition to the above, we also sought views on land at 'Spencers Farm' and 'land north of Ockwells Manor' both in Maidenhead which the council resolved to consult earlier this year. Whilst originally proposed as a mixed education / housing proposal, the land at Spencers Farm is now promoted by the landowner solely for housing. The land north of Ockwells Manor is proposed to be added to the Green Belt. There were separate consultations on these.

All consultations have now closed. The results of the sites consultation and associated Cabinet Report were taken to Cabinet in March 2013. These are available to view online on the Council and Democracy webpages or by following the weblinks below:

• Borough Local Plan Sites Consultation - Report of Consultation
• Borough Local Plan Cabinet Report March 2013

The list of sites and the consultation questionnaires are available to view below for information purposes only.

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Background to Sites Consultation

Why are we consulting on sites?

In October 2012, the council's Cabinet indicated that the potential capacity for new homes that could be built in urban areas had been assessed at an average of 307-343 dwellings per annum. This figure is based on the candidate sites included in this consultation which are larger sites capable of providing ten or more new homes.

The allocation of land to provide homes or jobs is a key part of demonstrating to an independent inspector that enough land is available.

The consultation was therefore an important part of the process, checking how residents feel about sites which will be considered for their suitability.

How does this link to Neighbourhood Plans?

In addition to the council's work on the Borough Local Plan, there are also nine community groups working on the preparation of neighbourhood plans. These are community led plans which once completed will sit alongside the Borough Local Plan and guide decisions on planning applications.

The council has spoken to neighbourhood plan groups and parish councils in considering the sites in this consultation. Neighbourhood Plan groups will of course have their own ideas about sites in their area and may have already or will be undertaking their own consultations. Whilst the process of preparing the Borough Local Plan and a neighbourhood plan are quite separate, they will no doubt consider similar issues. The council intends to share the outcome of this consultation with neighbourhood plan groups and to ensure both plans work together.

To find out more about neighbourhood planning in your area go to the Neighbourhood Plans webpage.

Sites consultation downloads (for information only)

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