Wrexham and Lismore councils initiate new strategic planning frameworks

Wrexham County Council has announced a new timeline to develop a local plan following years of legal disputes and the withdrawal of a previous spatial development plan. The council intends to review its evidence base and call for sites starting in November. Public consultations are scheduled for February 2028 and April 2029, with the goal of submitting the plan to the Welsh Government by October 2029 and achieving formal adoption by October 2030. Cllr Hugh Jones emphasized the importance of listening to the community and council members to avoid the issues that plagued previous attempts.

In Australia, Lismore City Council has adopted a new Strategic Planning Framework designed to manage long-term growth. The framework includes five key strategies covering local strategic planning, resilience and adaptation, rural land use, economic development, and biodiversity management. Mayor Steve Krieg stated the plan aims to reverse a trend of negative growth seen since 1998 by balancing housing and job creation with environmental preservation and community resilience.