Cabinet backs need for planning strategy ahead of early deadline

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed to develop a Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), which confirms the council’s commitment to working with neighbouring authorities to support jobs, infrastructure and long‑term economic growth for the benefit of Shropshire’s residents.

The SDS has been developed in response to a government request for councils to consider how strategic planning across boundaries could help deliver better outcomes on issues such as transport, housing, skills and investment.

While supporting the principle of collaboration, the Cabinet has been clear that the timescales set out by government are challenging, particularly given the scale and long‑term nature of the issues involved.

Heather Kidd, leader of Shropshire Council, said:-

“The SDS is about working together where it makes sense and where it can deliver real benefits for local people. Many residents live, work and travel across council borders, and businesses rely on infrastructure and investment that span more than one authority. The SDS helps ensure Shropshire has a strong voice in those wider discussions.

“Let us be clear that by approving the SDS Cabinet is not handing over any control or decision-making powers to neighbouring local authorities.

“It is not about local government reorganisation. There are no proposals to merge councils, change boundaries or remove powers from Shropshire Council. The Council will continue to make its own decisions, set its own priorities and represent local communities.”

Shropshire Council is now preparing its response to the government’s request ahead of the 26 March 2026 deadline. Final SDS geographies are expected to be confirmed once Government legislation is introduced later this year.

The SDS will sit alongside Shropshire’s Local Plan and provide a high-level framework for at least the next 20 years, helping to guide where new homes, jobs and essential infrastructure should be located.

Heather added:-

“Any future proposals arising from this work will be considered through Shropshire Council’s normal democratic processes. The strategy is vital to creating a sustainable future for Shropshire and it is very frustrating that the deadline is so short that all local authorities are not being given the time to consider and develop the detail. However, for Shropshire the guiding principle remains clear: collaboration where it helps deliver for Shropshire, while maintaining the council’s independence and local accountability.”