Why strategic plan is vital for Gloucestershire as councils plan for 43,000 homes
With the Government increasing the number of homes needed to be built by 20 per cent the development of a new strategic plan for the county is vital it it’s to reach its 43,000 target.
Strategic planning is seen hugely important in securing the vital infrastructure and services needed to meet a 43,000 new homes target in Gloucestershire.
A strategic and local plan (SLP) is being developed jointly for Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury to help guide development in the coming years.
Last year, the area saw an increase of more than 20 per cent in the total number of homes the Government wants to see built over the next two decades with around 43,000 new homes needed across the three districts.
Sites for approximately 20,000 have been found so far but there is a shortfall of around 23,000 homes which needs to be addressed by the strategic and local plan.
The vast majority of these new homes will be built in the borough of Tewkesbury as Cheltenham and Gloucester do not have enough land – and councils have a legal duty to co-operate with neighbouring areas.
Tewkesbury Borough Council leader Richard Stanley (LD, Cleeve West) says the SLP will allow councils to plan where this development should go and what improvements are needed.
Without such a plan in place, developers would be able to build in non-sustainable places which lack the necessary infrastructure.
“The SLP will help guide how our area will grow over the next 20 years,” he said.
“New housing is coming forward, and the SLP allows councils to plan where this development should go and what infrastructure is needed, such as roads, schools, and healthcare.
“Without an agreed plan, development will be led by developers, and potentially in non-sustainable locations, without the supporting infrastructure communities need.
“The SLP is important as it helps ensure future growth is coordinated and sustainable.”
Residents and businesses in these areas can review evidence on the SLP’s dedicated website.
The full SLP engagement runs until June 2026, with pre-submission of the plan to the Government in July, and the final submission expected in October or November this year.
By Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire. carmelo.garcia@reachplc.com
*The Raikes Journal is the only independent news outlet in Gloucestershire approved to use the copy of the BBC local government reporting service. Why? Only independent, credible journalistically-led platforms that meet the BBC’s high standards win that permission.