Disappointment at rejection of new evidence for Local Plan
Stroud District Council has expressed disappointment that important new evidence to shape its Local Plan won’t be considered by key decision makers.
Government-appointed Planning Inspectors have told Stroud District Council to withdraw its Local Plan instead.
The Local Plan is the blueprint for development and maps the district’s growth until 2040. It helps address a key Government challenge to find suitable sites for 630 new homes per year. This housing target will rise further still.
In July this year, Stroud District Council wrote to the Inspectors examining the draft Local Plan, requesting that they consider new evidence submitted by National Highways, on the capacity of M5 Junctions 12 and 14.
This evidence addressed concerns previously raised during the Examination of the Local Plan, regarding M5 Junction 12 and 14 and represented a significant material change. In light of this, the Council asked the Inspectors to consider holding a further hearing session to examine the implications of the new evidence and its impact on the overall soundness of the Plan.
The Council has now received a response from the Inspectors which, regrettably, maintains that “withdrawal of the Stroud District Local Plan Review from Examination is the most appropriate way forward.”
The Inspectors have also confirmed that they do not intend to reopen the hearings.
“The Council fundamentally disagrees with the Inspectors’ interpretation of the new evidence, and will be responding formally in due course,” said SDC Leader, Councillor Chloe Turner.
The council continues to have an adopted Local Plan, which has been the basis for determining planning applications since its adoption in 2015. This means that the Council still has a strong basis for refusing unsuitable development, protecting the environment and ensuring vital infrastructure is still delivered alongside new homes and jobs. In addition, through its Council Plan, the Council has committed to preparing a new Local Plan that will set out a strategic vision for development over the next 20 years.
The full SDC response will be published in the Examination Library once approved for publication by the Inspectors. The Inspector’s letter is available in the library too: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/planning-and-building-control/planning-strategy/stroud-district-local-plan-review/local-plan-examination/examination-library
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