Residents invited to have their say as final Local Plan consultation rolls out

The six-week Regulation 19 consultation is the final stage before the proposed Local Plan 2020-2040 is submitted to government for independent examination. It gives people the opportunity to make formal representations on the revised plan.

The proposed Local Plan sets out how Stoke-on-Trent will meet future housing needs, support economic growth, improve infrastructure and protect valued green spaces over the next 15 years. It has been shaped by thousands of comments received during the public consultation in 2025, resulting in more brownfield sites being identified, fewer proposed Green Belt sites released and stronger protection for local green spaces.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This is a significant milestone in preparing a new Local Plan for Stoke-on-Trent.

“Thousands of people have already helped shape this plan and their feedback has made a real difference. We now want residents, businesses and organisations to take this final opportunity to make formal representations before the plan is submitted for independent examination.

“The Local Plan will help shape where new homes, jobs and infrastructure are delivered, while protecting the places that matter most to our communities.”

A series of consultation events will be held across the city during the six-week consultation, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to find out more about the proposed Local Plan and how to take part in the consultation.

The first drop-in session will take place at Norton Central Social Club, 94 Knypersley Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 8HZ on Tuesday 11 August 2026 4pm-7pm

Council planning officers will be at every consultation event to answer questions about the proposed Local Plan and provide information on how people can make formal representations during the Regulation 19 consultation.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for growth, regeneration and transport, said: “The Local Plan has the potential to be a catalyst for real growth across Stoke-on-Trent. It will provide the framework to support new investment, create jobs, deliver much-needed homes and give businesses the confidence to invest in our city.

“This consultation is an important part of the process and I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future of Stoke-on-Trent to get involved.

“Come along to one of the consultation events, speak to our planning officers and find out how to make your views count before the plan is submitted for independent scrutiny.”

The proposed Local Plan identifies how the city will deliver at least 19,000 new homes over the plan period – with a strong focus on bringing forward brownfield land while supporting investment, improving transport and infrastructure, and protecting important green spaces.

Details of the consultation, supporting documents, consultation events and information on how to make formal representations will be available from Monday 3 August on the council's website.