Consultation on new Supplementary Planning Documents
Supplementary Planning Documents and Guidance – Update on Preparation
In January 2026, the Council asked people for their views on five Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs). In March 2026, the Government brought in regulations for the new Local Plan system which impact on the production of new SPDs. The Council, therefore, now plans to turn three of the documents into Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPGs) instead. This approach will allow the Council to publish guidance outside the statutory SPD process, ensuring that they can continue to be used in the longer term, to support the implementation of both current and future Local Plan policies. However, the intention is for the Council to follow the same process of consultation and formal adoption for these documents, but as SPGs rather than SPDs.
Documents Still Moving Forward as SPDs
The two documents below will continue as SPDs:
- Designing for Residential Development SPD – guidance for new homes
- Householder Development SPD – guidance for extensions and changes to existing homes
The development of these SPDs require a statutory public consultation to enable residents and stakeholders to have their say in their development. These SPDs will provide detailed guidance on the design and development of new housing and household extensions.
Documents Now Becoming SPGs
The three documents below will now be published as SPGs. They will become available for review and public consultation in the coming weeks:
- Recreation Management and Green Infrastructure SPG
- Biodiversity and Nature Recovery SPG
- Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) SPG
Phase 1 Consultation – Completed
Phase 1 asked for views on what the scope of each SPD.
This closed on 9 February 2026.
Phase 2 – Now Open for Two Draft SPDs
Phase 2 asks for views on the full draft documents.
The draft SPD documents and consultation questions can be accessed on the Council's consultation portal for comment from:
16 March to 17 April 2026
You can take part here:
🔗 https://haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/
Phase 2 for Draft SPGs
The dates for consultation on the three draft SPGs are to be confirmed and will be shared here in the coming weeks.