Winchester – Local Plan Modifications Consultation

Winchester City Council Statutory Notice
Winchester Local Plan 2020-2040 Proposed Main Modification Consultation
Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004
Town and Country Planning (local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended)

Winchester City Council gives notice that it has launched a public consultation on the Proposed Main Modifications to its Local Plan, following the independent Examination by the Planning Inspectorate. The Proposed Main Modifications have been recommended by the Planning Inspector to ensure that the Local Plan is sound and legally compliant.

The consultation is being carried out in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended). The consultation is now open and will run from Friday 21st November 2025 until 11.59pm on Friday 16th January 2026.

The consultation is an opportunity to comment only on the Proposed Main Modifications, and not on other parts of the Plan. Comments on other aspects of the submitted Local Plan or the re-submission of previous comments on the submitted Local Plan will not be accepted, as these will have already been considered by the Planning Inspector during the Examination process.

Proposed changes to the policies map are published alongside the MMs. The Policies Map is not defined in legislation as a development plan document. This means that the Inspector has no powers to recommend main modifications directly to it. The role of the Policies Map is to illustrate geographically the application of policies in the Plan. If you wish to comment on that matter in relation to a policy, you should address the comment to the associated Inspector’s MM.

Also published as supporting documents are the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) which have been updated following on the Proposed Main Modifications. These are not open for direct comment, and any comments relating to their content should be raised in respect of the related Proposed Main Modification.

A Schedule of Additional Modifications is also being published for information only. These include minor corrections and factual updates and do not form part of the formal Examination process. Any comments received on the Additional Modifications will only be received by the Council and will not be considered by the Planning Inspector. The Council does not anticipate comments on the Additional Modifications, but if necessary, please submit such comments using the appropriate Additional Modifications consultation box.

The consultation documents are available online on the City Council’s website https://www.localplan.winchester.gov.uk/examination-page and to submit responses electronically (preferred method) via the consultation portal www.winchester.gov.uk/main-modifications-consultation Paper copies of the consultation documents are available at the City Council’s main reception and at local libraries. If you are unable to access the portal, please contact us at PlanningPolicy@Winchester.gov.uk or at the city council offices.

Please be aware that anonymous responses cannot be accepted and all comments will be made available on the Council’s website (addresses and contact details will not be released).

Adrian Fox
Strategic Planning Manager