We formally adopted the Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD) on 24 February 2011.

The strategy sets out the strategic planning policy for Shropshire, including a 'spatial' vision and objectives. It also sets out a development strategy identifying the level of development expected to take place in Shropshire (excluding the Borough of Telford and Wrekin) up until 2026.

Following several stages of production and consultation, the strategy was submitted to the secretary of state in July 2010. It was subsequently subject to an examination in public (EiP) by the Planning Inspectorate, including a two week formal public hearing session in November 2011.

The adopted strategy incorporates the binding recommendations set out in the Planning Inspector's report and accompanying appendices.

Conformity with the NPPF

Following publication of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) an assessment of the conformity of the strategy with the new requirements of the NPPF has been undertaken. The strategy has been found to be in conformity with the NPPF. The assessment can be downloaded from this page.

Supporting documents

Sustainability appraisal

Sustainability appraisal (SA) is a statutory process that assesses the effects of plans and strategies against a range of economic, social and environmental considerations. Carrying out SA allows us to:

• Consider how a plan contributes to improvements in environmental, social and economic conditions
• Identify any significant adverse effects that a plan might have
• Amend proposals in a plan to avoid any significant adverse effects
• Propose mitigation measures to counter any remaining significant adverse effects

In this way, SA can help make sure that a plan’s proposals are the most appropriate given the reasonable alternatives. The SA for the Core Strategy is attached under the related documents section of this page.

Habitat regulations assessment

The purpose of an HRA is to ensure that the proposals from any plan or project, or the cumulative effect of a number of plans or projects, won't adversely affect the integrity of internationally designated wildlife sites. It's a legal requirement for local authorities to prepare an HRA for plans and projects that have the potential to impact on habitats of European importance. The HRA documents for the core strategy are attached to this page.