Public hearings begin as progress continues on Sheffield’s Local Plan

The first hearing into Sheffield’s Local Plan and how it will play a lead role in reshaping the city over the next 15-20 years has got underway today.

The draft Local Plan was endorsed by the full council on Wednesday 6 September 2023 following two rounds of public consultation. It was then submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for them to assess through a series of public hearings.

As part of the first hearing, which started on Tuesday 25 June, the inspector is considering the duty to co-operate, legal compliance and strategic matters.

Two further hearing are due to be held in September and November considering other elements of the plan from site allocations to development management policies.

What is Sheffield’s Local Plan?

Sheffield’s Local Plan will guide the future of the city and sets out how and where development will take place up to 2039.

It focuses on elements such as:

• Neighbourhoods– Creating secure and connected neighbourhoods across the city with thriving district and local centres.
• Climate – Improving standards for new development to help realise our 2030 net zero ambitions.
• Housing– Identifying priority areas for development, 35,530 homes to be built, including providing affordable homes where they are needed.
• Employment – Creating 43,000 new jobs and developing homes within easy reach of employment areas. 
• Green spaces– Green Belt land and valuable green spaces are to be protected.
• Development - Allocating land for development allows the Council, utility companies and other service providers to plan new infrastructure more effectively. 
• Transport – Creation of calmer, people friendly neighbourhoods, reducing congestion where possible and improving active travel routes.

The Inspector’s preliminary report is expected to be received by the Council in early 2025 and there will be a further round of public consultation if there are any main modifications recommended by the Inspectors before the Plan is adopted.

The hearings are open for the public to attend, if you are unable to attend in person, you can live stream proceedings by clicking here.