Rutland County Council has postponed the launch of the final public consultation on its Draft Local Plan in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Local Plan sets out planning policies for the Rutland area, as well as listing sites for additional housing, employment or other development for the period 2018 to 2036.

Rutland County Council's Full Council approved the Pre-Submission Local Plan for statutory consultation on Monday 10 February.

In light of the impact of COVID-19, the Council has taken the decision to postpone the consultation until further notice.

The decision will be kept under review until such time as it is appropriate to begin the consultation.

Councillor Gordon Brown, Cabinet Member for Planning at Rutland County Council, said: "The Local Plan is incredibly important for the future of our county but, right now, the Council's focus must be on protecting vulnerable people and supporting communities through the coronavirus pandemic.

"This requires our full attention and the support of local Parish and Town Councils, meaning consultation on the Local Plan is not appropriate at this time.

"We will be keeping this decision under continuous review until we reach a point where the Local Plan can be given the attention it needs.

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"Ultimately, the Local Plan is vital for businesses, communities and the future of Rutland. It will be imperative that we consult at the earliest possible opportunity."

Rutland County Council will begin the process of adding Local Plan documentation to its website over the next few days, where it can be viewed at any time, and will issue a further update when consultation dates are being considered.

For more information about the Local Plan, please visit the Rutland Council website.

Oakham Nub news is sharing the latest government advice on CoronaVirus, which can be seen here.