Consultation begins on Local Plan environmental assessment report

A six-week public consultation starts today [11 September 2026] on a draft environmental assessment report that will be used alongside Shropshire’s next Local Plan.

The draft Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report identifies the proposed environmental objectives and assessment methodology to be used when assessing the potential environmental effects of the Local Plan. It will help prevent or reduce adverse impacts, enhance opportunities for positive outcomes, and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development.

The consultation runs until 21 October and seeks views on all aspects of the draft SEA Scoping Report, including: whether there are any additional plans, policies or programmes that should be reviewed; whether there are further sources of baseline information that should be considered; the proposed SEA objectives; and the approach to assessing environmental effects.

The proposed environmental objectives in the draft SEA Scoping Report have been informed by consideration of baseline environmental data and plans, policies and programmes relevant to Shropshire.

Full details of the consultation, including how to take part and view supporting documents are available on the Shropshire Council website.

David Walker, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning said:

“As we prepare Shropshire’s next Local Plan, it is essential that environmental considerations are built in from the very beginning. This consultation gives residents and stakeholders the chance to help shape how we assess the environmental impacts of future development and growth. I encourage everyone with an interest in Shropshire’s future to take a look at the document and share their views.”

All feedback received will be reviewed and used to inform the final SEA Scoping Report.