13/05/2026
The District Council has identified the potential sites it proposes for new housing development in its new Local Plan. These will show how the District intends to meet Government targets for new homes in the Dales, which have more than doubled since the existing Plan was published in 2017.
The proposed Spatial Development Strategy and sites for new housing development are due to be discussed at a meeting of the District Council’s Local Plan Committee which takes place in the Town Hall, Matlock on 13 May 2026 at 18:00. Members of the public and communities are encouraged to read and view online the documents that are going to be discussed.
For background, in autumn 2024, central Government set a grossly increased housing requirement for the Derbyshire Dales. Until then, our work on a Local Plan had been about meeting local needs, not national requirements. For our Local Plan to pass Government inspection under the new system, we will be expected to have allocated as many housing sites as possible. The Inspector is likely to reject a plan that does not include sites that could be conditioned to be acceptable. That would leave us without an up-to-date Local Plan and the unrestricted opportunity for developers in the Dales would be extended.
If you'd like to submit questions or register to speak at the 13 May Local Plan Committee, the deadline is 12:00 noon Friday 8 May. Find more information here: https://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy-and-local-plan/local-plan/latest-news/papers-published-ahead-of-13-may-local-plan-committee
You can find answers to general questions about the Local Plan Review in our FAQs at https://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy-and-local-plan/local-plan/current-local-plan-review/faqs
