Crucial month ahead for city’s ‘blueprint’ for growth

A revised blueprint for Stoke-on-Trent’s future growth – shaped by thousands of responses from residents and stakeholders – is to be considered by the council’s Cabinet.

The proposed Local Plan 2020-2040 sets out how the city will meet future housing needs for local people, create jobs, improve infrastructure and protect valued green spaces.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “There is no doubt this is a big moment for the people of Stoke-on-Trent. This revised, updated plan will set out how the city will grow and develop over the coming years.

“The city is required to plan for at least 19,000 new homes over the plan’s lifetime. The proposed Local Plan identifies sites across Stoke-on-Trent with a focus on making best use of brownfield land while ensuring there are sufficient sites to meet future housing needs. Homes are the bedrock of our communities. And that includes homes for all: from starter homes through to big family homes.

“The proposed Local Plan is our blueprint for delivering economic growth, jobs, regeneration and renewal. Complemented by improved public transport, infrastructure and community amenities, it has enormous potential to unlock the vast potential we know this city has to offer.”

The updated plan reflects extensive public feedback received in earlier consultations, including additional brownfield sites identified by residents and stakeholders. As a result, less Green Belt release is now proposed.

And this new document officially protects a number of local green spaces – such as Berryhill Fields and the Lower Croft – and contains measures to boost sustainability and biodiversity.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for growth, regeneration and transport, said: “This plan is about making growth work for the people who live here. That means putting infrastructure first – the roads, transport and community facilities that make new homes an asset to a neighbourhood, not a burden on it.

“Thousands of residents took the time to have their say, and their feedback has genuinely changed this plan: more brownfield sites, less Green Belt release, and local green spaces protected for good. That is exactly how it should work. When the next consultation opens this summer, I would encourage everyone to take part – because in this city, your voice shapes the plan.”

The council will continue to seek opportunities to bring forward suitable brownfield sites as part of its long-term development plans.

The plan will next be considered by the council’s Housing, Regeneration & Operations Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 8 July with comments passed to cabinet.

If approved by cabinet, the proposed Local Plan will be subject to a six-week consultation this summer. As part of this, residents, businesses and stakeholders will have a further opportunity to make formal representations before the plan is submitted to government for independent examination.

Information on the consultation – including dates, supporting information and guidance on how to submit representations – will be available prior to the consultation launch.