Gateway 1 Self-Assessment Summary - Other activities

In addition to the statutory requirements set out above, we have progressed a number of other workstreams prior to the commencement of the 30-month plan-making period:

Local Plan Software

We have procured local plan software (Placemaker) which helps us meet the Council’s and the Government’s ambitions for a digital approach to both plan and evidence base production and to enhance community engagement.

Call for sites

We have undertaken a Call for Sites to identify what land might be available for development over the plan period (note that availability does not mean the site will necessarily be allocated in the Local Plan). We are currently assessing these sites in line with national planning guidance to support the preparation of the Local Plan, considering each available site’s potential and suitability for development. 

Evidence base

The evidence base needed to support the preparation of the Local Plan has been identified and consultants appointed for all studies. A number of studies are already well underway. A list of the evidence base documents to support the Local Plan and whether these are being undertaken in-house or by consultants is set out in the date Project Initiation Document. Further details on the evidence base, including a number of completed studies, will be published as part of the Proposed Plan Content and Evidence consultation in October 2026. 

Key stakeholder engagement

We have undertaken ongoing engagement with statutory consultees to identify important issues that the Local Plan will need to address and to help inform preparation of the evidence base. These meetings have taken place with bodies including neighbouring local authorities, Hampshire County Council, Government agencies and infrastructure providers. Statements of Common Ground are being prepared with key statutory stakeholders and will be published alongside the October 2026 consultation. 

Developing priorities and vision

We have undertaken substantial early work to identify key priorities which will form the draft Local Plan Vision. This has been informed by baseline analysis, SWOT analysis (looking at Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) of key opportunities and challenges for the district, feedback received through the Scoping Consultation, engagement with stakeholders and infrastructure providers and internal officer and Member discussions.

The emerging vision is also being developed in consideration of national planning policy and legislation, the Council’s Corporate Plan and other relevant local strategies to ensure alignment with wider national and Council priorities. The draft vision will be shared at the October 2026 consultation.