STROUD District Council has submitted its draft local plan to the planning inspectorate for examination.

The plan sets out the strategy for new housing, employment and community development within the district until 2031.

Around 750 comments were made on the plan which was subject to consultation during September and October this year.

SDC leader Geoff Wheeler said: “The draft plan runs to 2031 with the ambition of delivering two new jobs for every new home identified within it.

“We're looking at creating an environment for up to 6,200 jobs, with new employment land and support for existing employment sites, to accompany the 2,450 additional homes that need to be allocated.

“As well as development at the identified key sites the plan also has the flexibility to allow smaller-scale development to meet local needs as long as this accords with local policies and future neighbourhood plans.”

Planning inspector Stephen Pratt has been appointed to undertake the examination into whether the plan is legally compliant and sound.

It is expected that the he will hold hearing sessions to discuss the plan next spring and that the plan will be adopted by the council at the end of 2014.

The plan and supporting documents are available to view on the council’s website at www.stroud.gov.uk/planningstrategy