Fareham Borough Council is inviting residents, businesses and organisations to have their say as work begins on a new Local Plan for the borough.

The new Local Plan will guide how Fareham develops in the years ahead, helping to plan for homes, jobs, infrastructure, community facilities and the environment.

As a first step, the Council is launching a Local Plan Scoping Consultation to identify the issues, opportunities and priorities that matter most to local people and stakeholders. Feedback will help inform the direction and content of the new Local Plan.

At the same time, the Council is seeking views on its Draft Local Plan Engagement Strategy, which sets out how communities will be involved as the plan is prepared. Residents, businesses, community groups and other interested parties are encouraged to comment on the proposed approach and suggest how they would like to be consulted during future stages of the process.

These two consultations will run from 24 August to 2 October 2026. Copies of all documents are also available at libraries across the Borough as well as from the Civic Offices in Fareham town centre.

Councillor Malcolm Daniells, Executive Member for Planning and Development, said: “The new Local Plan will play an important role in shaping the future of Fareham, so we want as many people as possible to have their say at this early stage.

“The Scoping Consultation and Engagement Strategy are the first steps in this important process.  They will help us understand the opportunities and challenges facing the borough and ensure that future planning decisions are informed by local views and evidence.”

Further information about both consultations, including how to take part, is available on the Council’s website: www.fareham.gov.uk/new_local_plan.

Alongside this work, the Council is carrying out a separate ‘Call for Sites’ technical exercise which is required as part of preparing a Local Plan.  This process helps identify land that may be suitable for future consideration.

The Call for Sites exercise will remain open until 31 October 2026.

For more information, email planningpolicy@fareham.gov.uk or visit www.fareham.gov.uk/new_local_plan.