The Council received the Inspector’s report dated 9 February 2026, and this marked the end of the Examination of the Winchester District Local Plan 2020 - 2040. The Report concluded that, with the recommended Main Modifications set out in the Appendix to this Report, the Winchester District Local Plan is sound, meaning that it could proceed to be adopted by the Council.

The Local Plan 2020-2040 has now been through the Council’s democratic decision-making process. It was debated at Scrutiny Committee on 17 March 2026, before then being considered by Cabinet the following day and then full Council on Tuesday 24 March 2026 at which the Plan was formally adopted.

The adopted Winchester District Local Plan 2020 – 2040 replaces the existing Local Plan Part 1 – Joint Core Strategy (March 2013), Local Plan Part 2 – Development Management Policies and Site Allocations (April 2017) and the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showperson Development Plan Document (February 2019).

Following adoption of the Local Plan by Full Council, a formal six‑week period for potential judicial review is now open, running from 25 March to 6 May 2026

The Adoption statement can be viewed here. ^{(pdf, 145kb)}.

The Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) Adoption statement can be viewed here ^{(pdf, 897kb)}.