Scoping Report

1. Introduction

A new local plan and this scoping consultation stage

1.1 This Scoping Report sets out the Council’s initial thoughts about what could be in the new Rutland Local Plan 2026 to 2046. It also gives an overview of why we are preparing it, how we will prepare it, and how and when you can get involved. It has been published to start a discussion with everyone who may have an interest in future land uses and development of Rutland, before any significant decisions on its content are made. This report does not include any proposed policies, site allocations or plans to distribute development; those will be the subject of later consultation stages, as outlined in Section 2 below.

1.2 This Scoping Report is published as part of a wider Scoping Consultation. A Draft Local Plan Consultation and Engagement Strategy has also been published for consultation, alongside several other background documents.

1.3 A Scoping Consultation takes place before the Council formally starts preparing a new Local Plan, as part of the process of getting ready. The Scoping Report is the first consultation document that we have published for this new local plan. It follows the publication in June 2026 of the proposed local plan preparation timetable and a formal notice to intention to commence plan preparation. It is the first of several opportunities that you have to tell us what you would like to see in the new Local Plan.

1.4 This Scoping Consultation is open from 10^th September 2026 to 14^th October 2026 inclusive.

About this new Rutland Local Plan 2026 – 2046

1.5 Local plans are prepared to manage the future use and development of land and infrastructure in the long-term public interest to achieve sustainable development. A local plan helps to ensure that new development, infrastructure, and services are co-ordinated. It can also reflect local needs and aspirations, where these are in line with national policy and are realistic and deliverable.

1.6This new local plan will cover all land use development matters, except minerals and waste (see para 5.45 below). The plan will be for the period 2026 to 2046, so that it will look ahead at least 15 years when we have finished it.

1.7We are starting work on this new plan now because we must. New plan making regulations published by the Government earlier this year require this for all areas of England where the amount of new housing that is currently being planned for in new or emerging local plans is a lot less than the amount required by the latest national planning policy. Our emerging local plan for the period 2021 to 2041 plans to meet a new housing need of 123 dwellings per annum, whereas currently this new local plan must plan for at least 269 new dwellings per annum.

Why you should get involved

1.8 By engaging in the preparation of this new local plan, you can have your say on the plans for new development in the area, including helping to ensure that growth goes to the most appropriate and sustainable locations, that regeneration is planned where it is needed most, and that the quality of the built and natural environment is conserved and enhanced. Changes to land use, infrastructure and development can affect your local environment, how you get around and other aspects of your daily life, so it is important that you understand what is being proposed and take the opportunities to have your say during the plan preparation process.

1.9 Once finalised and adopted, the new local plan will be the key local policy document against which all new planning applications will be considered. It will replace the emerging Rutland Local Plan 2021-2041, which we expect to adopt later this year. Note that whilst this local plan is currently being prepared by Rutland County Council, because local government is due to be reorganised in 2028, the finalised plan will be adopted by a larger successor unitary authority encompassing Rutland. Plan preparation will not stop when the new council begins its work, and a requirement to have a new local plan in place by April 2029 will remain. The Council and other local authorities across the country are talking to the Government now to make sure transitional arrangements are in place that require/enable the plan preparation and adoption to be completed by the successor authority.

How you can get involved

Build your knowledge and understanding

1.10 You can find out all you need to know about this consultation via our Preparation of a new Local Plan (2026 to 2046) | Rutland County Council webpage. The documents that we are publishing are as follows:

Consultation Documents

• Rutland Local Plan 2026 to 2046: Scoping Report (this document)
• {Rutland Local Plan 2026 to 2046: Draft Consultation and Engagement Strategy - our initial ideas on how we intend to consult and engage with you at each stage of plan preparation.

Background information and evidence

• Appendix 1: Evidence Base Review and Update Schedule
• Appendix 2: Updated Spatial Portrait
• Appendix 3: Draft National Planning Policy Framework Compliance Summary
• Appendix 4: Government Standard Method Housing Need Calculation for Rutland
• Appendix 5: Call for Sites Site List – Including link to map
• Appendix 6: Draft Site Assessment Methodology

1.11 We will also be posting the latest information about the consultation on our website and social media. Follow Rutland County Council on Facebook, X, YouTube or Instagram .

Take part in a consultation event

1.12 There will be at least one online public consultation event during the consultation period. You can join an event to ask questions about the new local plan process and what might be in it, and to hear directly from us about how we will be preparing the plan and what we will be taking into account in doing so. We have already scheduled an event to take place on Wednesday 16^th September 2026 at 7pm. To find out more about how to join the event and any other planned events, please visit our new local plan consultation webpage.

Respond to this consultation

1.13 The Council is inviting comments and feedback on this document. Specific questions are posed throughout the document, but you may provide feedback on anything that you think is relevant. The consultation period is open for 5 weeks, from Thursday 10^th September to Wednesday 14^th October inclusive.

1.14 You are strongly encouraged to respond online using our dedicated consultation portal. This will make sure we have your correct electronic details and avoids the need for us to type in your comments, when human error can occur.

1.15 If you are unable to use the portal, you can submit your comments in the following ways:

• Online, by e-mailing localplan@rutland.gov.uk.
• If you are unable to e-mail, write to the Planning Policy Team at the Council offices:

1.16 If none of the above work for you, please telephone us (---- ) (01572 720902) to discuss how you can comment.

Sign up to be kept informed of progress on the new local plan

1.17 If you would like to be kept informed of future stages of plan preparation, you should register and create an account on our consultation portal. Please check the relevant box when you reply via the portal. This will enable you to submit comments on consultations and ensure that you receive future updates on the preparation of the local plan. When you register, you must tick the ‘Local Plan’ box under My Topics to ensure that you continue to receive updates on the progress of the local plan.

1.18 if you want to find out about how we will use and look after your personal data, please view our privacy notice .

1.19 If there is anything else you need help with, please email the Local Plan Team via localplan@rutland.gov.uk or telephone 01572 722577 and ask for the Local Plan team.