Strategic planning is essential to securing the infrastructure and services needed to accommodate Gloucestershire’s ambitious target of 43,000 new homes. To meet this goal, Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Tewkesbury councils are collaboratively developing a Strategic and Local Plan (SLP) to guide future growth in the region.
In recent years, government housing targets for the area surged by over 20%, increasing demand to around 43,000 new homes across these three districts over the next two decades. While sites for approximately 20,000 homes have been identified, a significant shortfall of about 23,000 homes remains that must be addressed through the SLP.
Most of this new development will take place in Tewkesbury Borough, as Cheltenham and Gloucester lack sufficient available land. The councils are legally obligated to cooperate to ensure balanced and sustainable growth across borders.
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Richard Stanley, leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, emphasizes the importance of the SLP as a tool to carefully manage where housing growth occurs and to identify necessary improvements in infrastructure—such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
“Without a jointly agreed plan, developers could initiate projects in unsuitable locations that lack critical infrastructure. The SLP ensures that development is coordinated, sustainable, and supports community needs,” Stanley explains.
Residents and businesses have the opportunity to review evidence and contribute input on the SLP’s dedicated website. The engagement phase will continue until June 2026. Following this, a pre-submission of the plan to the Government is scheduled for July, with the final submission expected by late autumn.
The SLP is pivotal in shaping Gloucestershire’s future growth, balancing housing needs with the development of essential services and infrastructure to create thriving, sustainable communities.