RUTLAND County Council says it has received positive post‑hearing feedback from the independent planning inspector examining its Local Plan.

Following hearing sessions held between September and November 2025, the inspector has confirmed that, subject to a series of main modifications, the Rutland Local Plan is capable of being found legally compliant and sound.

In her letter the inspector notes that many of the required main modifications were discussed during the hearing sessions and are already set out in the council's published running list of main modifications. 

The inspector also confirms that she is satisfied the council's overall approach to site selection and appraisal is fit for purpose and has provided a sound basis for identifying preferred options.

Rutland County Council has now been invited to prepare a comprehensive schedule of proposed main modifications, incorporating those identified during the hearings and in the inspector's letter.

These will be subject to a further statutory six-week public consultation as part of the Local Plan process, with dates to be confirmed. 

Oakham councillor Paul Browne, the authority's cabinet member for planning, welcomed the news and said: "The inspector's feedback is a positive step forward and confirms that, with main modifications, our Local Plan has the potential to be found sound and legally compliant.

"Our focus now is on preparing the proposed main modifications so that they can be consulted on in line with the examination process.

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"The inspector will then consider all comments received during the main modifications consultation, before issuing her final report."