The Local Plan, which is basically a planning framework for the borough for the next 18 years, is currently under review. It’s important as it identifies sites for development for housing – and it’s difficult to get planning permission for those sites refused.
The current Local Plan was adopted in 2016 and is out of date. The Early Engagement Document for the new Local Plan was issued in January 2023 and OGRA were one of 99 people/organisations to respond. The Local Plan was due to be published by the end of March 2025 for formal representations. However, it’s been delayed due to changes to the planning system and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Central government has imposed a new minimum housing requirement for High Peak – an increase from 350 dwellings per annum to 554 dwellings per annum; the new local plan will need to identify sites for approximately 10,000 dwellings (554 x 18 years). A new sub-category of Green Belt known as Grey Belt means that Green Belt sites, such as derelict farms, could be built on.
The next round of public consultation is due this autumn, followed by submission of the plan for scrutiny by central government. The new Local Plan must be adopted by autumn 2026. OGRA will set up a residents’ meeting as soon as the draft plan is released so we can make submissions.
The council is asking residents to put forward sites that could be developed, not just for housing but also for nature conservation, open space or heritage. More details at: Local Plan Review - High Peak Borough Council.