After a 12-month hiatus, the Inspectors’ thoughts on the Stroud Local Plan have been published, and it’s a devastating blow for the Council.
The Inspectors have recommended that the Plan be withdrawn because of fundamental issues relating to the funding and subsequent delivery of infrastructure to serve key strategic sites in the plan.
The Plan’s failure is a huge blow to the Council and the Officers who drafted it. No Plan is perfect, and I had a number of concerns about the strategy and allocations in the Plan and made those clear at the EiP. Looking at it from a personal level, I do have sympathy with those involved.
So, what does this mean for housebuilding?
Like many Gloucestershire LPAs, Stroud has seen an increase in its housing target through the Standard Method. Under the old figure, its annual target was 620 dpa, and this has been revised upwards to 820 dpa. This is a challenge, especially given that, at the Council’s own admission, it can only demonstrate a 3.24-year housing land supply against the lower figure. Given the failure of the plan, the Council no longer has a plan in place to resolve this undersupply.
This raises the inevitable question of “speculative development” coming forward, and it’s a simple, obvious fact that sites will be coming forward to meet its housing land supply requirements. While some will deride this, it has to be remembered that these sites will provide homes for all, including much-needed affordable housing. They will also create jobs and support local services and facilities. Housebuilding is a good thing.
Is there an opportunity for the SME Housebuilding Sector?
Now is the time to look seriously at smaller sites that can come forward and be delivered within five years. In looking at sites to come forward, I cannot stress enough that it’s a question of doing the basics right, making sure that the site is in a sensible location, deliverable, and devoid of genuine constraints. A lack of a five-year supply does not give succour those sites that are fundamentally flawed.
Stroud (possibly with a sense of hubris) proposed a plan that was heavily reliant on large strategic allocations to deliver housing in the District to the detriment of the SME sector. These allocations relied on upgrading Junctions 12 and 14 of the M5. Technical work proved they could be delivered. However, when asked by the Inspectors to “show me the money”, showing that there was funding for their delivery, there was no money (I’ll leave you to think of other analogies about this involving post-it notes and magical trees). The lesson here is that if you are going to go big, make sure you have the funding in place. The money required was at least £200 million.
A full copy of the Stroud District Local Plan Review Letter is available here.
How Can We Help?
We are already starting to consider options, so come and talk to us about what you are looking to bring forward.
Nathan McLoughlin – Managing Director
T: 01242895008
E: nathan.mcloughlin@mplanning.co.uk
Image Source: Stroud District Local Plan Review 2025
About us
We are McLoughlin Planning, and our team has a simple objective: to get results for our clients by providing high quality planning consultancy.
Our reputation for integrity, innovation and intelligence means we are a growing business, thriving on personal recommendations from our loyal clients and trusted industry colleagues. Our team of chartered town planning consultants deal with a host of interesting planning projects from across southern England and Wales – from strategic promotions and commercial premises to private developments and rural projects.
We are a friendly and approachable team who care passionately about the built environment, always striving to get the best outcome for our clients and the community. Find out more about us here.