Local Plan Partial Update

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What is the Local Plan?
Local Plan public consultation
Drop-in events
Local Plan documents

What is the Local Plan?

Our Local Plan is the document that sets out the strategy for how development takes place in Reading, and is the main consideration in deciding planning applications.

The existing Local Plan was adopted in November 2019, and we are now carrying out this Partial Update to make sure that key parts of the plan are as up to date as possible and help us achieve the development that best meets our needs.

Local Plan public consultation

We are currently consulting on the Pre-Submission Draft of the Partial Update to the Local Plan. It includes draft policy wording and site allocations, as well as detailed proposals regarding the level of development that will be delivered within the Borough up to 2041.

The consultation gives you the opportunity to provide your feedback and ideas in response to the Local Plan. We welcome any comments that you have. You can provide your responses to the consultation online, by email or in writing. All responses must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 18 December 2024.

Submit your response by email

Send your email response to planningpolicy@reading.gov.uk

Submit your response in writing

Send your written response to:

Planning Policy Team
Reading Borough Council
Civic Offices
Bridge Street
RG1 2LU

Drop-in events

You can attend one of our drop-in events to talk about the Local Plan to a planning officer in more detail. There is no need to let us know if you wish to attend beforehand.

Drop-in event: Tuesday 26 November 2024
Location: Main reception at the Civic Offices, Bridge Street, RG1 2LU
Time: 1pm to 6pm

Drop-in event: Wednesday 11 December 2024
Location: Main reception at the Civic Offices, Bridge Street, RG1 2LU
Time: 2.30pm to 7.30pm

Local Plan documents

Main documents

Local Plan Partial Update Pre-Submission Draft Covering Document

Local Plan Partial Update Pre-Submission Draft November 2024 (tracked changes version)

Local Plan Partial Update Pre-Submission Draft November 2024 (without tracked changes)

Proposals Map November 2024

Sustainability Appraisal of the Pre-Submission Draft November 2024

These main documents can also be viewed in person:

• at the Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU – weekdays, between 9am and 5pm
• at all council libraries – during their normal opening hours

Supporting documents

Duty to Cooperate Statement November 2024

Statement of Consultation following Regulation 18 November 2024

Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment, November 2024 (HELAA) (Vol I and Vol II)

Housing Needs Assessment, July 2024

Housing Provision Background Paper November 2024

Draft Infrastructure Delivery Plan November 2024

Reading Commercial Needs Assessment Volume A (Interim Draft, November 2024)

Local Plan Self-Assessment Toolkits

At this stage, representations should focus on whether the plan is legally compliant, fulfils the duty to co-operate and meets the ‘tests of soundness’, as set out in paragraph 35 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Following a period of public consultation, officers will take time to consider the representations received before the Local Plan is to be submitted to the Secretary of State for examination.

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Policy Team by emailing planningpolicy@reading.gov.uk