By Saul Cooke-Black

CAMPAIGNERS have hailed the passing of the Local Plan as a watershed moment in the fight to protect our green fields.

The approval of the Stroud District Local Plan has given a boost to those fighting development at Baxter’s Field in the Slad Valley, Pike Lane meadow in Nailsworth and Grange Fields on the outskirts of Stroud.

Plans for housing have not been included on these sites.

The blueprint encourages at least 11,400 homes to be built over the 25-year period between 2006 and 2031.

This includes more than 7,700 homes which have already been built or have planning permission and 4,200 which will be developed on sites identified in the plan.

On average, 470 homes need to be built each year over the next 16 years to meet demand.

The development of 58 hectares of employment land is supported to meet job forecasts and new sites for businesses are identified.

Stroud District Council leader Geoff Wheeler said: “The decision means houses will be built where we want them and in a sustainable manner. It will prove invaluable in protecting against predatory development.”

Planning inspector Steven Pratt, who approved the plan, before it was passed to councillors to adopt, confirmed that it showed a seven year supply of housing, meaning that SDC would be right to prevent further uncontrolled development in rural areas.

He also supported the authority’s strategy of concentrated growth in towns.

Andy Dickinson of the Save Slad Valley Action Group said the plan would boost the fight to preserve Baxter’s Field in Stroud.

“We are delighted that the approval of a Local Plan means the Stroud area is no longer an easy target for developers,” he said.

“The plan rightly does not include Baxter’s Field as a suitable site for development, and we call on the application to be withdrawn.”

Campaigners fighting to stop 80 homes being built on Grange Fields also welcomed the plan.

Adam Biscoe, from the Save Grange Fields AONB group, said: “It is good news and we commend the council for getting it approved.

“Grange Fields is not included in the plan and we now call on the developers to respect this and withdraw the application.”

In a letter, Save Nailsworth Valley, which is fighting against an application for homes off Pike Lane in Nailsworth, said: “We are delighted the plan has been approved.

“In our view, the case for dismissing the Pike Lane appeal is now overwhelming.”

See the plan at stroud.gov.uk/localplan