West Berkshire Adopts New Local Plan 2025 | Housing & Planning Update
West Berkshire Council adopts a new Local Plan, reducing housing targets and impacting planning applications. Learn what this means for developers and local planning policy.
In a major step for regional planning, West Berkshire Council has officially adopted a new Local Plan, setting out a revised framework for development across the district.
The decision, made at a special Full Council meeting, was passed despite some internal opposition. The new Local Plan will now act as the primary policy tool guiding development decisions in the district, affecting both current and future planning applications and appeals.
Key Changes: Housing Target Reduction
One of the most impactful changes is the reduction in annual housing delivery targets:
- New requirement: 515 dwellings per year
- Previous requirement: 1,067 dwellings per year (based on Standard Methodology)
This shift significantly boosts the Council's current 5-year housing land supply position, offering more certainty in the short term.
However, from July 2026, under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) transitional arrangements, the Council will need to apply a 20% buffer, raising effective housing requirements and potentially reigniting supply concerns.
Impact on Planning Applications and Appeals
With the plan now adopted, all planning applications and appeals—whether in progress or upcoming—must align with the new policy framework. Planning officers and inspectors will immediately begin referencing the new policies in their decisions.
Action point: Applicants and developers should review and update submissions to ensure compliance with the new Local Plan.
Industry Insight: Prepare for the Next Phase
Mark Campbell, Thames Valley Regional Director at Squires Planning, commented:
“It is good to see that West Berks have been proactive in producing a new Local Plan. Nevertheless, given the changes made by Government to the Standard Methodology, it is likely only a matter of time before we see an under-supply of housing and applications and appeals being pursued by way of the Tilted Balance. Developers should be looking to prepare sites now and indeed make further site promotions given the need for an almost immediate review of the plan.”
What This Means for Developers and Landowners
- Short-term certainty, but a longer-term risk of housing under-supply
- Opportunities for strategic site promotion
- Need to stay alert for early Local Plan review
Conclusion:
The adoption of the West Berkshire Local Plan sets the tone for the district’s future growth. But it also signals an evolving policy environment where developers must stay agile. Preparing sites, aligning proposals with current policy, and anticipating the need for a near-future plan review will be key to staying ahead.
If you have any projects in West Berkshire that may be affected, don't hesitate to get in touch with the team here at Squires Planning to see how we can help.
