FAQ's about the Local Plan
What is a Local Plan?
Every local planning authority has to produce a Local Plan which sets out the planning framework for its area. The Local Plan is an important document that sets out how Stoke-on-Trent will grow between 2020 and 2040, and where new development should go. It also contains policies, which will be used to decide planning applications, and aims to ensure that the needs of local residents and business are met across a range of themes including housing, economy, the environment, transport, and heritage.
What are the stages of the Local Plan?
The Local Plan timetable sets out the planned stages for the preparation of the Local Plan. These stages are Regulation 18 Issues and Options, Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan, Regulation 19 Publication Local Plan, and Regulation 22 Submission of the Local Plan to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The Local Plan timetable can be seen in full here:
What does the Local Plan cover?
There are nine themes within the Local Plan as follows:
- Infrastructure
- Economy
- Housing
- Centres
- Transport
- Design
- Cultural Heritage
- Natural and Active Environments
- Climate Change and Environmental Resources
Can our housing and economic needs be met on brownfield land?
Brownfield land (also known as previously developed land) is land which is, or was, occupied by a permanent structure.
Not all brownfield sites in the city are owned by the council, however, a key priority is to continue to focus on ongoing regeneration of the city, ensuring support for the development of brownfield land.
The council has looked very carefully at how much development can fit on brownfield land. Even after proposing to allocate as much brownfield land as possible, there is not enough to meet the city’s needs for new homes and jobs.
Viability evidence informing the Local Plan has concluded that there is limited financial viability to support the delivery of many brownfield sites up to 200 dwellings within the city. Some brownfield sites would also not be able to meet other policy requirements, including providing affordable housing.
Can land that has not previously been built on be developed?
Land that has not previously been built on, or has not been occupied by a permanent structure is typically referred to as ‘greenfield land’. This includes places like fields, grassland, woodland and other open spaces.
Greenfield land does not have the same strong protection from development as Green Belt land, but some greenfield sites are protected for other reasons, such as being important open space for sport, nature or recreation.
Whether a greenfield site can be developed is considered on a case-by-case basis taking into account its environmental value, policy requirements, and whether it is suitable for new development.
It is a key priority of the Local Plan to reuse previously developed land (also known as brownfield land) before considering development of greenfield land. Even after proposing to allocate as much brownfield land as possible, there is not enough to meet the city’s needs for new homes and jobs. Because of this, the Local Plan has had to include some greenfield sites.
Can Green Belt land be developed?
Green Belt land is strongly protected from development. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that Green Belt boundaries should only be changed in exceptional circumstances, and can only be changed through the Local Plan.
Before any Green Belt sites can be considered, councils must show they have exhausted all other options. This includes:
- using as much suitable brownfield land as possible;
- making good use of land in built‑up areas; and
- talking to neighbouring councils to see if they can help meet some of the need.
As part of preparing the Local Plan, the council has first looked at all suitable and available brownfield and greenfield sites. Even after doing this, there is still not enough brownfield and greenfield land to meet the city’s need for new homes, jobs and supporting facilities.
As a result, the council has had to consider the release of Green Belt land. The Local Plan identifies Broad Locations for development in the Green Belt. These can include a mix of homes, jobs, services and infrastructure needed to support both existing and new communities.
Can I still submit a site for consideration through the Local Plan process?
The Call for Sites process is still open, and we are currently accepting new submissions. Any submitted sites will be considered at the next stage of the plan process. Sites can be submitted for consideration through the online Site Nomination Form here:
What infrastructure and services will be provided to support proposed development?
The Local Plan includes policies to ensure that new development is supported by the infrastructure and services that people need. This can include:
- Better public and sustainable transport options.
- Schools and healthcare facilities.
- Community facilities.
- Green spaces and water‑related features (known as green and blue infrastructure).
- Highway improvements to help manage traffic.
- Measures to reduce flood risk and improve water management.
The council has been working with many organisations that provide these services to understand what will be needed as the city grows.
As the Local Plan continues through its consultation stages, the evidence about infrastructure will be updated. A more detailed Infrastructure Delivery Plan, setting out exactly what infrastructure is required and when, will be published.
What data and information has been used to inform the Local Plan?
To support the Local Plan, we have published an updated evidence-base that will continue to be updated as new evidence documents are produced. The evidence covers a range of themes including housing, employment, transport, green space, flooding, Green Belt, retail and leisure.
The evidence-base can be accessed on the Local Plan webpage here:
How can I comment on the Local Plan?
The next consultation stage is the Regulation 19 Publication Local Plan, which will take place in Summer 2026.
Comments are encouraged through the online consultation, which will help you to keep track of the comments you have made and see other comments which might be of interest. The online consultation portal can be accessed here:
If you are not able to use the online consultation, then comments can be made: via email to localplan@stoke.gov.uk, or in writing to Planning Policy Team, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1HH
If you have any issues with engaging online, please contact the Planning Policy team and we will assist.
How can I be kept informed about progress of the Local Plan?
If you would like to stay updated with the progress of the Local Plan and be notified of future consultation stages, you can register for email updates on the Local Plan webpage: