Cabinet to consider proposals for new cross boundary planning strategy

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet will next week consider plans to develop a new Spatial Development Strategy (SDS)—a major Government-led requirement designed to support long-term growth, housing delivery and infrastructure planning across wider regions.

A report will be presented to the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 11 March [2026].

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.

The Government has launched a consultation on which local authority areas should work together to produce each SDS. Shropshire Council is now preparing its response ahead of the 26 March 2026 deadline and will begin discussions with a number of  councils to ensure Shropshire benefits economically, and that its ambitions for housing and employment growth are supported.

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

“This is an important opportunity to shape the long-term future of Shropshire and our wider region. Working strategically with neighbouring areas will help unlock investment, support sustainable growth and ensure we meet national expectations for housing and infrastructure.”

If Cabinet agrees the report the council will explore different partnership options, assess how well they meet Government criteria, and re-establish strategic engagement with infrastructure providers.

Final SDS geographies are expected to be confirmed once Government legislation is introduced later in 2026.