FAQs about the Early Scoping Consultation

The consultation is open for 6 weeks from Monday 29 June to Sunday 9 August 2026 11PM

We are required to produce an up-to-date Local Plan to guide future development. It helps ensure that growth is planned properly, with the right homes, jobs and infrastructure in the right places.

Stroud District Council is starting work on a new Local Plan because the Government now requires all councils to prepare plans under a new, updated system. Although the current draft Local Plan is still at examination, it will continue through that process separately. Starting a new plan does not replace or stop the existing one, it simply ensures the Council is meeting new national requirements and planning for the longer term. Updates on the current Local Plan examination are available here: 

https://www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/planning-and-building-control/planningstrategy/stroud-district-local-plan-review/local-plan-examination/

No. This is a very early stage consultation. We are gathering views before developing options — nothing has been decided yet.

The Government requires the Council to plan for at least 846 homes per year. This is based on a national method for calculating housing need.

• Some homes already have planning permission 
• But more land will still be needed

The Local Plan must meet identified housing needs as far as possible. However, the Council can take into account: 

• environmental constraints 
• infrastructure capacity 
• deliverability of sites

No. We are not selecting sites at this stage. This consultation is about: 

• priorities 
• issues 
• and broad approaches 

Site selection will come later.

The map shows sites that have been submitted by landowners or developers. We are required to: 

• consider all submitted sites 
• assess whether they are suitable

No — absolutely not. 

• Many sites will be ruled out 
• Some may not be suitable 
• Others may not be needed 

The map is not a list of preferred sites

It is provided to: 

• show what land might be available 
• help people understand possible patterns of development 

So you can consider growth options realistically

Key constraints include: 

• Flood risk 
• The Cotswolds AONB 
• Landscape sensitivity 
• Limited road and infrastructure capacity 

These will play a major role in shaping decisions.

Infrastructure is a key part of the plan, including: 

• transport 
• schools 
• healthcare 
• green spaces 

We are asking for your views on what is most needed.

We will: 

1. Review all responses 
2. Develop different options 
3. Assess those options 
4. Consult again on more detailed proposals

Yes. There will be further consultation stages as the Local Plan develops.

You can: 

• Complete the consultation survey 
• Share your views on priorities, growth and infrastructure 
• Suggest issues we should consider 
• Agree to sign up to our database to be kept up to date

Your views will help us: 

• understand local priorities 
• identify key challenges 
• shape the direction of the new Local Plan

This consultation is being carried out online because the Government has introduced a digital-first approach to Local Plan preparation. 

At this early stage, the consultation is focused on high-level issues and priorities, rather than detailed proposals or specific sites. This means an online format is the most effective way to gather a wide range of views. The online survey has been designed to: 

• make it easier for people to take part at a time that suits them 
• ensure responses can be recorded and analysed consistently 
• support a faster plan-making process 

We recognise that some people value face-to-face engagement. At later stages of the Local Plan, when more detailed options and proposals are developed, we will use a wider range of engagement methods. 

If you are unable to use the online form, support is available and alternative arrangements can be made.

This is your chance to: 

• Help shape how Stroud District grows 
• Raise issues that matter to you 
• Influence decisions at the earliest stage 

Need help taking part? We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to take part in this consultation. If you are finding the online form difficult to use or would prefer to respond in a different way, please contact us: local.plan@stroud.gov.uk We will be happy to help.