Your input is essential in shaping the future of Stoke-on-Trent. The Local Plan consultation provides an opportunity to share your views on how the city should develop over the next 15 years.
The council has previously consulted on the Regulation 18 Issues and Options (Summer 2021) and the Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan (Autumn 2025).
Next Stage: Publication (Regulation 19) Local Plan
The Publication (Regulation 19) Local Plan will be open for consultation from Monday 3 August to Monday 14 September 2026. This stage will present the proposed policies and site allocations that will guide Stoke-on-Trent’s sustainable growth between 2020 and 2040. It will outline where development is expected to take place to support housing, employment, green spaces, and key services for residents and businesses.
How to comment
When responding to the Regulation 19 consultation, you are encouraged to focus your comments on the matters that will be considered by the Planning Inspector during examination. These include:
- Whether the plan is legally compliant
- Whether it is sound, in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
- Whether it meets the duty to cooperate
Legal compliance considers whether the council has followed the required statutory procedures, including public consultation, publication of documents, and adherence to relevant planning legislation.
Soundness of the plan is assessed against four key tests. The Local Plan should be:
- Positively prepared – addressing identified needs
- Justified – supported by proportionate evidence and the most appropriate strategy
- Effective – deliverable and based on effective joint working
- Consistent with national policy – promoting sustainable development in line with the NPPF
Duty to cooperate relates to how the council has worked constructively and continuously with neighbouring authorities and relevant organisations on cross-boundary issues such as housing, infrastructure, and environmental considerations.
Please note that the duty to cooperate is no longer a legal requirement. However, the council must continue to work collaboratively with neighbouring authorities and other relevant organisations on strategic planning matters and maintain effective co-operation through the Local Plan process.
Framing your comments around these areas will ensure your feedback is most relevant and helpful to the Planning Inspector.
A Guidance Note has been produced to assist you in making your representation.
Submitting your comments
Comments are encouraged via the online consultation portal, where you can track your responses and view others’ submissions:
If you are unable to respond online, you can also submit your representation:
- By email: localplan@stoke.gov.uk
- By post: Planning policy team, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1HH
If you need assistance with accessing or using the online system, please contact the planning policy team.
Drop-in sessions
As part of the consultation, a series of in-person drop-in sessions will be held across the city. Information will be available on how to make formal representations on the Local Plan with Planning staff in attendance.
Details of sessions can be found below, and will be shared through stakeholder networks and on the council’s social media channels. Details of any additional sessions taking place during the consultation period will be published on this webpage once confirmed.
The following sessions will take place between 4pm and 7pm:
- Tuesday 11 August - Norton Central Social Club, 94 Knypersley Road, Norton, ST6 8HZ
- Wednesday 12 August - Trentham Learning Centre, Allerton Rd, Trentham, ST4 8PQ
- Thursday 13 August - St John’s Church and Welcome Centre, 30 Greasley Road, Abbey Hulton, ST2 8JE
- Monday 17 August - Bentilee District Centre, 231-251 Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, ST2 0EU
- Tuesday 18 August - Ball Green Working Men’s Club, 48 Wilding Road, Ball Green, ST6 8BA
- Thursday 20 August - Florence Sports and Social Club, Lightwood Road, Longton, ST3 4JS
- Tuesday 25 August - The Bridge Centre , Birches Head Road, Birches Head, ST2 8DD
- Wednesday 26 August - Broadway Methodist Church, Pickford Place, Meir, ST3 7DX
- Thursday 27 August - Packmoor Ormiston Academy, Carr Street, Packmoor, ST7 4SP
- Tuesday 1 September - Longton Library, Sutherland Institute, Lightwood Road, Longton, ST3 4HY
- Wednesday 2 September - Tunstall Library, Tunstall Town Hall, 142 High Street, Tunstall, ST6 5TP
- Thursday 3 September - City Central Library, Two Smithfield, Leonard Coates Way, Hanley, ST1 4FD