Recent changes to national planning rules made by the government mean the council must begin work this year on a new local plan, which will protect the environment and shape where development takes place up to 2045.
The consultation, which runs until 8 September, 2026, invites feedback on what the plan should contain and how the community should be involved.
It seeks views on the proposed scope of the plan and what it will replace, any supporting evidence that may be required to inform the plan, and a community engagement strategy for the plan preparation process.
Full details of how people can have their say can be viewed at Wolverhampton Plan. People are encouraged to complete the online survey. Paper reference copies of the main document and representation forms are available at the Civic Centre and Wolverhampton Central Library.
The plan will identify environmental areas to protect and enhance, sites to allocate for development including housing and employment uses, key transport schemes, and policies to guide design and secure infrastructure.
City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “It remains critical to have a local plan in place to provide certainty for our communities and support regeneration and investment in our city. I would urge people to get involved and have their say.
“The revised National Planning Policy Framework means we are now legally required to develop a local plan that fits the new government plan making system – and this scoping consultation is an important part of that process.
“In the meantime, we await the outcome of the Wolverhampton Local Plan we submitted under the previous plan making system. Both plans will help facilitate a vibrant mixed use city centre and enable new housing and employment opportunities on brownfield sites across the city, supporting local centres and strengthening the local economy.”
People can view the consultation documents and speak to planning officers at the following joint drop in sessions for the Wolverhampton Plan consultation and the Our Future City Centre Plan consultation.
The “01902” Shop Unit, Queen Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1TQ, on Wednesday 5 August, 2026, 1pm to 3pm
Wolverhampton Central Library, Snow Hill, Wolverhampton, WV1 3AX, on Thursday 6 August, 2026, 3pm to 7pm, and Saturday 8 August, 2026, 10am to 2pm
Once the consultation is completed, a new Wolverhampton Plan process will follow a statutory 34 month preparation timetable – with 2 chances for the public to comment, and a public examination prior to adoption of the new plan in 2029.