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Work is formally under way on a new Local Plan that will help shape how the Stroud district develops over the coming years.

Stroud District Council has reached the first formal milestone in the Government's new planning system by completing its Gateway 1 Self-Assessment. This marks the official start of a 30-month process to prepare the new Stroud District Local Plan 2026.

The Local Plan is an important document that helps guide decisions on issues such as housing, employment land, infrastructure, town centres, transport, climate change and the natural environment.

The council has published several new documents on its website, including a summary of feedback received during early scoping work carried out in summer 2026, reports from stakeholder workshops, and a proposed timetable for preparing the plan.

At this stage, the new Local Plan is still in the very early stages of development. No decisions have been made about future development locations, site allocations or the overall strategy for future housing growth across the district.

Council officers will now continue gathering evidence, assessing potential development sites and exploring different options for how the district could develop in the future.

Residents do not need to take any action at this stage. The next formal public consultation is expected to take place in summer 2027, when residents, businesses and community groups will have an opportunity to comment on emerging options and proposals.

Cllr Catherine Braun, Deputy Leader of Stroud District Council said:

"The Local Plan helps shape the future of our district by guiding where homes, jobs, infrastructure and community facilities could be located.

“We've now reached the first formal stage in preparing a new plan, but it is important to stress that no decisions have been made about development locations or future housing growth options.

"Thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to engage in the first stage of this important planning process. There will be further opportunities for residents, businesses and communities to have their say as the plan develops, with the next formal consultation planned for summer 2027."

More information, including the latest documents and project updates, is available here. 

Businesses, charities, community organisations and education providers are being invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000 through Stroud District Council's £100,000 Sustainable Economy Fund.

The fund supports projects that help grow the local economy and create wider community and environmental benefits. 

Funding is available under five themes: 

• Green & Inclusive Economy
• People & Skills
• Investment & Enterprise
• Sustainable Tourism, Market Towns & Villages
• Rural Enterprise & Infrastructure

A wide range of projects could be eligible, including training and skills initiatives, business development, equipment purchases, digital innovation, accessibility improvements, environmental projects and tourism opportunities.

Organisations do not need to be based within the district, but funded projects must be delivered in Stroud district and provide clear local economic benefits.

Councillor Catherine Braun, Deputy Leader of Stroud District Council, said:

"The Sustainable Economy Fund is designed to help organisations turn good ideas into reality. Whether it's developing skills, supporting local businesses, investing in innovation or creating opportunities for residents, these grants can make a real difference. 

“We encourage organisations across the district to explore the fund and consider how it could help them deliver projects that strengthen our local economy and support a sustainable future."

Round 1 applications close on 22 November 2026. A second round is scheduled to open in April 2027. 

All funded projects must be completed by 31 October 2027.

Further information, including the application form, guidance notes and example projects, is available at: www.stroud.gov.uk/sustainableeconomyfund

For enquiries, please contact economic.development@stroud.gov.uk.