Scoping Consultation - Wyre Forest Local Plan

Consultation closes 5pm on Tuesday 7 July 2026.

Wyre Forest District Council is preparing a new Local Plan

This plan will guide:

• Where development happens
• What gets built
• How we protect and enhance the environment
• Infrastructure needed to support growth

Before we begin preparing the plan in detail, we are undertaking a scoping consultation.

This is an early stage of engagement. We are not yet consulting on options or sites – instead, we want to understand:

• The key issues facing the district
• What evidence we should use
• How you would like to be involved

About Wyre Forest District

Wyre Forest is a district with a distinctive mix of towns, villages and countryside, located in north Worcestershire.

The main settlements are:

Kidderminster – The largest town and main centre for services, employment and regeneration.

Stourport-on-Severn – A riverside town with a strong tourism and leisure role.

Bewdley – A historic market town with significant heritage value.

Alongside these, the district includes a number of smaller rural settlements and villages, each with their own character and role in supporting local communities.

 A district shaped by its environment

The district is defined by its high-quality natural assets, including:

• The Wyre Forest, one of the largest ancient woodlands in England.
• The River Severn corridor, which plays an important role in:
• Landscape Character
• Biodiversity
• Flood risk

These features create opportunities for recreation, tourism, and environmental enhancements, but also place important constraints on development.

Climate and environmental challenges

Like all areas, Wyre Forest is responding to:

• The need to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions
• Managing flood risk, particularly in areas near the River Severn
• Improving air quality
• Protecting and enhancing biodiversity

Housing and communities

The district has a mix of urban and rural communities, but faces pressures including:

• Housing affordability
• The need for a range of homes to meet different needs
• Supporting sustainable communities with access to services and facilities

A changing economy

Wyre forest has a strong industrial heritage, particularly in manufacturing, and continues to support a diverse local economy.

However, the district faces a number of economic challenges and opportunities:

• The need to diversify and modernise employment
• Supporting town centres, particularly in Kidderminster
• Encouraging investment and improving productivity
• Providing the right type and location of employment land

Infrastructure and connectivity

Key issues for the district include:

• Road congestion and connectivity within and beyond the district
• Access to public transport
• Ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development, including schools healthcare and utilities.

Looking ahead

Wyre Forest Faces a combination of:

• Opportunities for regeneration and growth
• Constraints arising from its environmental and infrastructure context.

This local plan will need to balance these factors to ensure the district remains a sustainable, attractive and prosperous place to live and work.

What is this consultation about?

At this stage, we are seeking views on:

The scope of the Local Plan

• What topics should the plan focus on?
• Are there any local priorities we should give particular attention to?

Key issues and challenges

We have identified some initial themes:

• Climate change and net zero
• Housing need and affordability
• Economic growth and employment land
• Transport and connectivity
• Infrastructure capacity (schools, health, utilities)
• Town centre vitality
• Natural environment and biodiversity
• Healthier and safer communities

Evidence base

We are beginning to gather evidence to support the Local Plan. We would welcome:

• Existing studies or data
• Local knowledge
• Suggestions for further evidence

Vision and priorities (early thinking)

We are starting to think about what Wyre Forest district should be like in the future: What should our priorities be over the next 15-20 years?

How we consult and engage

We want to know how you would like to be involved in consultations for the local plan.

We want to ensure our consultations are:

• Accessible
• Inclusive
• Effective

Who we are consulting

We are inviting views from:

• Residents
• Local Businesses
• Community groups
• Developers and landowners
• Infrastructure providers
• Neighbouring authorities
• Statutory Consultees