Planning inspectors have once again advised Stroud District Council to withdraw its local plan proposing 12,600 new homes over concerns about insufficient capacity at two critical M5 motorway junctions. The council’s blueprint aims to guide the district’s strategic growth through 2040 but faces scrutiny over its infrastructure readiness.
In February, inspectors raised alarms regarding the need for substantial upgrades at junctions 12 and 14 to support the forecasted housing growth. Victoria Lucas and Yvonne Wright, the appointed planning inspectors, recently responded to the council’s concerns by reaffirming that withdrawing the plan from examination remains the most suitable course of action.
A central issue highlighted is the absence of confirmed, viable funding sources to finance the estimated £240 million to £330 million improvement schemes for the two junctions. In an April 9 letter, the inspectors clarified that while immediate or guaranteed funding before plan adoption isn’t required, there must be a reasonable prospect of securing funding in time to enable housing developments reliant on these upgrades.
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They emphasized that these junction improvements are essential within the first five years of the plan period to facilitate the delivery of affected housing sites. Despite intentions to seek central government funding, no significant external contributions have been identified, raising doubts about the plan’s soundness and feasibility.
Local opposition groups and councillors have called for the council to acknowledge these issues and act responsibly. Lindsey Green, Conservative group leader, expressed frustration over the prolonged process, labeling the plan as flawed and warning of costly delays and risks from speculative development. “It’s become an embarrassment,” she stated, urging the council to respect the inspectors’ judgment and engage constructively with the community.
The Cam Community Action Group echoed these sentiments, advocating for a new, community-focused plan that prioritizes affordable homes, suitable employment opportunities, and environmental preservation — without incurring massive expenses on car-dependent infrastructure.
Green group council leader Chloe Turner described the inspectors’ response as disappointing but reaffirmed the council’s commitment to completing the examination. Efforts are underway with local MPs Simon Opher and Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown to unlock funding challenges beyond the council’s control.
Turner explained, “The situation in Stroud highlights broader national infrastructure delivery challenges. While the council aims to meet government housing targets, essential motorway improvements fall outside its remit.” The council intends to continue the examination process to obtain full clarity on supported and contested plan elements, which will inform the next local plan iteration amid even higher housing targets.
In the meantime, the council stresses the importance of having a local plan as a foundation for managing development, protecting the environment, and ensuring that vital infrastructure accompanies new homes and jobs.