A council has invited residents to help shape a plan concerning future land use in a county.

Once finalised, Rutland County Council's Local Plan 2026-2046 will help inform housing developments in Rutland with guidance and parameters for the next 20 years, adhering to revised housing targets laid out by the Government in 2024.

The five-week "scoping consultation" phase – launched by the council on Thursday (September 10) – is due to last until October 14, during which time residents are welcome to share their views on "key planning issues and challenges".

Councillor Paul Browne (Lib Dem), who sits on Rutland County Council's cabinet, said: "The scoping consultation is the first formal stage in preparing a new Local Plan under England's updated planning system and gives people an important opportunity to share their views before any planning policies are drafted.

"Nothing is being decided at this stage. We want to hear from people about the issues that matter to them so these views can help inform what goes into the new plan."

Work on Local Plan 2026-2046 begins amid finalisation of Local Plan 2021-2041, which was at such an advanced stage of production by the time Westminster's revised housing targets were revealed in late 2024 that it was permitted to continue.

Local Plan 2021-2041 is currently undergoing an independent examination, with formal adoption expected later this year.

Once ratified, it will serve as Rutland County Council's principle housing development framework until 2029, when Local Plan 2026-2046 is due to supersede it.

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The council is hosting an online webinar this Wednesday (September 16) from 7pm to provide an overview of the new Local Plan's formation process while explaining to residents how they can get involved.

Instructions on how to join the webinar, along with other information on the Local Plan process, can be found on Rutland County Council's website.