Public hearings begin as progress on Sheffield’s local plan continues

The first hearing on Sheffield’s Local Plan and how it will play a leading role in reshaping the city over the next 15-20 years began today.

The draft Local Plan was approved by the full council on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, following two rounds of public consultation. It was then submitted to the Urban Planning Inspectorate to be evaluated through a series of public hearings.

In the first hearing, which began on Tuesday, June 25, the inspector considers the duty to cooperate, legal compliance and strategic issues.

Two more hearings are due to take place 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 city’s future and sets out how and where development will take place until 2039.

It focuses on elements such as:

• neighborhoods– Creating safe and connected neighborhoods across the city, with thriving districts and local hubs.
• Climate – Improving standards for new developments to help achieve our 2030 net zero ambitions.
• Housing– Identification of priority development areas, 35,530 homes to be built, including provision of affordable housing where needed.
• engagement – Creating 43,000 new jobs and developing homes near employment areas.
• Green spaces– Green Belt land and valuable green spaces must be protected.
• Development – Allocating land for development allows the Council, utilities and other service providers to plan new infrastructure more effectively.
• Transport – Creating 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 changes recommended by the inspectors before the Plan is adopted.

The hearings are open to the public, if you cannot attend in person you can live stream the proceedings by clicking here.