Where will 2,400 more homes go?

Stroud District Council is asking residents for their views on how the district should look by 2040.

The council already has to find room for 13,000 homes by then. But the government's target for the area may go up, which would mean space for an extra 2,400 by 2040 will need to be found.

Sites in Whitminster and Moreton Valence have been identified as potential additional areas for new homes between now and 2040 – and SDC is asking residents, community groups and businesses for their views on them.

The Government-set target of 638 homes per year could rise to 786 if the Government raises it as part of its growth strategy.

The Local Plan maps out where homes and businesses will go, up to the year 2040 and currently Stroud District has to meet a target of almost 13,000 homes by then. If the target goes up, space for an extra 2,400 by 2040 will need to be found.

Sites under consideration include land between the A38 and the M5 north of the A419 at Whitminster, and land between the A38 and the M5 at Moreton Valence.

Two big challenges face the council because the western side of the District is predominantly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the eastern half is in the River Severn floodplain. That means the A38/M5 corridor is one of the few areas left for most large-scale development.

If the council does not allocate space for developers to build, the Government could direct where development takes place.

Environment Committee Chair, Councillor Simon Pickering said: “The target could rise, which is why these two sites are being considered as contingencies – it largely depends on Government policy over the next few years.

“While we don’t have a choice over the number of homes we have to allow for, we do have some choice over where they go and what they and communities look like.

“That’s why it’s really important to get involved and have your say at this stage.”

Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, consultation will primarily be online at www.stroud.gov.uk/localplanreview and Stroud District Council social media channels – search for our posts and tag yours with #Stroud2040.

A limited number of printed copies will be available to anyone who may be genuinely unable to access this consultation online - call 01453 754143 for document requests only.

The consultation runs until December 16.