As part of the government’s ambitions to increase housebuilding nationally, the timetable to produce local planning policy has been brought forward.
Cheltenham Borough, Gloucester City and Tewkesbury Borough councils have been working on a shared development plan for the area – the Strategic and Local Plan (SLP), with a timeline for its production agreed in 2023 as set out in its approved Local Development Scheme (LDS).
The SLP will plan for the most effective way to manage growth and housebuilding in the area. With the government updating the timetable, all councils in England are now required to have an LDS in place by 6 March 2025; previously the target was March 2026. The LDS provides the timeline to produce the SLP, outlines the process of drafting it, and identifies key milestones to ensure the delivery of the SLP by December 2026 ready for examination by an independent planning inspector.
It is important that the SLP councils are decisive in responding to the Government expectations and clearly set out how we will meet the needs for development whilst protecting the areas we value and their character and culture.
Alistair Cunningham, Chief Executive of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “Given the new Government’s drive to deliver housing growth, we are updating our previously published schedule to produce our Strategic and Local Plan. Fortunately, we are in a stronger position than many authorities as we have done a significant amount of work already which means we are able to meet the Government’s deadline without compromising sustainable development in our area.”
“However, there are elements of the SLP that require the input from other agencies, and we’ll be working collaboratively with colleagues to keep pace with the new requirements. For example, a key factor in planning is transport modelling – SLP officers are working closely with the county council’s highways team and appointed consultants.”
“Whilst we are consolidating the timeline for the LDS, engagement with our communities is paramount, given the importance of understanding their needs and aspirations when producing a local plan. The SLP councils will develop a programme that enables ongoing engagement with stakeholders and communities.”
The SLP has already consulted on Regulation 18 – spatial options and key policy areas, as well as housing and economic land assessment. These two consultations were completed in March 2024.
Having done this work, the councils can consolidate the timeline and deliver a draft publication plan (Regulation 19) at pace.
This draft plan will be submitted to the planning inspectorate by the end of 2026 and will then be examined publicly, providing a further opportunity for people to have their say.
Find out more about the SLP at .
For media enquiries contact communications, email [email protected] or call 01242 264154.
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