Consultation document COVER.ai - Wiltshire Council

Wiltshire Local
Development
Framework
Where do I find out more about this consultation document
1.12 Background papers have been prepared which provide more information about the content
of this consultation document. Wiltshire 2026 draws on four background papers:
Vision and Strategic Objectives, October 2009
Spatial Strategy, October 2009
Strategic Sites, October 2009
West of Swindon Strategic Site, October 2009
Each paper is described below.
1.13 The Vision and Strategic Objectives background paper starts with a spatial portrait of
Wiltshire. From this, key issues and challenges are identified, which lead in turn to the definition
of a spatial vision for how Wiltshire should look in 2026. Strategic objectives are then defined,
both in order to address the key issues and to help deliver the spatial vision. The vision and
strategic objectives are set out in full in section 2 of this document.
1.14 The Spatial Strategy background paper is an important part of the process which helps to
translate the vision and objectives into the detailed proposals in the core strategy. It draws on
national planning guidance, the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West and
also reflects the reality of Wiltshire’s local communities. The strategy begins to allocate specific
levels of housing development to community areas in accordance with sustainability principles
and the settlement hierarchy for Wiltshire.
1.15 The Strategic Sites background paper shows how strategic sites or broad areas for growth
have been identified at the strategically significant towns and market towns within the settlement
hierarchy to provide for their future development needs. Beginning with the background work
contained in the Wiltshire Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)
(March 2008) and the Wiltshire Workspace and Employment Land Strategy (August
2009), it describes the process of identification of potential development sites and the selection
of the preferred options.
1.16 Swindon lies on the boundary of the Wiltshire Council area, immediately to the east of the
Wootton Bassett and Cricklade community area. Wiltshire Council, in partnership with Swindon
Borough Council, has already undertaken studies to identify a potential site for a sustainable
urban extension to the west of Swindon. The West of Swindon Strategic Site background
paper sets out a summary of the process, which has resulted in the identification of a preferred
strategic development option in addition to the preferred option for Wootton Bassett.
1.17 These background papers are all available, together with the Sustainability Appraisal and
Habitats Regulations Assessment, which are required to be prepared by both UK and
European law, for inspection at libraries, council offices and on the Wiltshire Council website:
www.wiltshire.gov.uk. They are also included on a CD attached to this document.
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