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). Feedback from these consultations will help inform the next stage of the process.
Next Stage: Regulation 19 Publication Local Plan
The Regulation 19 Publication Local Plan will be open for consultation in Summer 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 meets the duty to cooperate
- Whether it is sound, in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
Legal compliance considers whether the council has followed the required statutory procedures, including public consultation, publication of documents, and adherence to relevant planning legislation.
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.
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
Framing your comments around these areas will ensure your feedback is most relevant and helpful to the Planning Inspector.
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 comments:
- 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.
Consultation events
As part of the consultation, a series of in-person events will be held across the city. Details will be shared through stakeholder networks, on the council’s social media channels, and published on this webpage once confirmed.