Planning Inspectorate announces dates for next step in Local Plan process

The Government appointed Planning Inspectors have confirmed the dates for Telford and Wrekin’s Local Plan Examination hearings, marking the next step in the development of the new Local Plan which will shape the Borough’s future.

The hearings are publicly held discussions, where the Inspector can probe into key issues relating to the Local Plan and its preparation.

The dates for when the Telford and Wrekin Local Plan Examination hearings will be held are:

• Week 1 – Tuesday 24 February to Friday 27 February 2026
• Week 2 – Tuesday 3 March to Friday 6 March 2026
• Week 3 – Tuesday 17 March 2026 to Friday 20 March 2026

The above dates could be subject to change, so it is recommended that interested parties check the Examination website for any updates closer to the hearing sessions. 

The venue for the hearings will be Meeting Point House, further details relating to the hearings and examination process is available on the examination website in the form a guidance note from the Planning Inspectors.

Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability, said: “We welcome the Planning Inspector’s announcement of the dates for the Local Plan examination hearings. This is another important milestone for the new Local Plan, which will not only guide how our borough develops, but also sets out how we will protect green spaces and care for our existing communities.”

Anyone who submitted representation on the Local Plan during the consultation stage (known as the Regulation 19 stage) has a right to be heard at hearings if they wish, so long as they have stated in advance that they wish to attend.

Further details, including details of Matters, Issues and Questions (MIQ) raised by the Inspector will be published on the Telford and Wrekin Local Plan website at https://www.telfordandwrekinlocalplan.co.uk/info/1/telford-and-wrekin-local-plan-examination.