Newark and Sherwood District Council is launching an initial consultation on a new Local Plan, which will ultimately guide how the district grows and develops in the years ahead.
Once adopted, the Local Plan will set out a long-term vision for the future of Newark and Sherwood. Alongside other policies and development targets, it helps decide where new homes, jobs and roads will go, and how we can look after the environment and make the area a great place to live.
Running from Wednesday 1 July to Friday 31 July 2026, this first stage of consultation provides an early opportunity to help shape some key principles before detailed proposals are developed. Further consultation will take place as the plan progresses.
Local Plans are developed for all areas across the UK following a new nationally agreed system. Newark and Sherwood’s new Local Plan will follow this same national process, with the aim of being in place by 2029.
National planning policies have changed and therefore Local Plans need to be updated to reflect that. The Government has asked councils to prepare new plans, even where local government reorganisation is taking place, to ensure an up-to-date plan is in place. The new Local Plan will be taken forward by the new unitary authority after April 2028.
The consultation gives an early opportunity to get involved before detailed proposals are developed, and to shape both what the plan covers and how the Council engages with communities. This includes using more digital tools and presenting information in clearer, more engaging ways, while still offering traditional ways to take part for those who prefer them.
At this stage, the Council is seeking views on the key issues facing the district, what the Local Plan should include and how people would like to be consulted as it progresses.
The consultation will include a snapshot of the district today and highlight the main issues facing Newark and Sherwood, along with an overview of the areas the new plan will cover, such as housing, jobs, the environment and local services. Early work has highlighted some of the key issues the plan will need to consider, including the need for more homes, challenges facing town centres, improving access to services in rural areas, and responding to climate change and flood risk.
Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Growth at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is the starting point for shaping how Newark and Sherwood will grow and develop over the next twenty years. We want to hear from as many people as possible at this early stage. This is not about detailed proposals yet, it is about understanding what matters most to our communities and making sure the Local Plan reflects those priorities from the very beginning.”
The consultation runs until 5pm on Friday, 31 July 2026.
If you would like to get involved, information can be found online or by visiting council offices and all district libraries to view the information and share your views.
Documents are available at the main Council office at Castle House, Great North Road, Newark, NG24 1BY (open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday) and at the Ollerton Advice Office at Sycamore Road, New Ollerton, NG22 9PS (open between 9:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday).
Full details on the new Local Plan and how to take part are available on the Newark and Sherwood District Council website.