Leader's blog - w/c 11 May 2026

“Stroud District Council is beginning work on a new Local Plan, which will guide how the district grows and develops over the coming years. The government has asked us to complete this within 30 months. Under updated national calculations, our required housing target has increased significantly - from around 620 homes per year to 840. This presents a major challenge, given the limited land available for development in Stroud, much of which is constrained by the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or flood risk.

We will need to work closely with our local communities to decide how best to accommodate this growth, and with developers to ensure that new schemes deliver a fair share of affordable homes. A process of consultation will begin over the coming months.

Alongside this, we are continuing to expand our own housing programmes, with new council homes already delivered or coming soon in Wotton-under-Edge, Dursley, Cam and Cashes Green.

Next Thursday (14 April) is the council’s Annual General Meeting. This formal meeting focuses on appointing roles for the coming civic year, without opportunity for public or member questions. But for those following the Stratford Park lido project, regular updates continue to be shared on our website and Facebook page. At this stage, it is still too early to confirm whether we can reopen the outdoor pool this season, but good progress is being made and I’m grateful for the hard work of staff and community volunteers.

Finally, our small grants scheme for community climate and nature projects (up to £2,000) has reopened, and we are offering a further 50 free bike stands to local businesses and organisations. Over the past year, residents have helped recycle two tonnes of batteries safely, allowing valuable materials to be reused – thank you!

Very good luck to everyone across the district sitting exams at this time.”

Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council