Local Plan Examination paused

Stroud District Council have today issued a press release stating that they have requested ‘a short pause’ in the Examination of the draft Local Plan. They have also published letters between them and the Inspectors.   The reality behind this press release is that the Inspectors suggested that the Council should consider withdrawing the draft Plan because of their significant concerns over its soundness. They do not believe that there are adequate plans in place to cope with the additional traffic, particularly at motorway junctions, created by new sites such as Sharpness.   They are also entirely unconvinced by the proposals for a rail link and other public transport solutions at Sharpness, as we have been arguing for years.   The Council, rather than withdraw the Plan, have asked for more time to come up with solutions to the issues raised. This short pause would appear to be a period of six months, although it remains to be seen how the Inspectors will respond to this.   This is by no means the end of the road for the proposed new town at Sharpness but nonetheless it presents a significant hurdle for the site promoters and the council.   It is very heartening that many of the points that many of you have made during this process have been heard by the people tasked to examine the evidence.   You can read the press release here: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/news-archive/short-pause-needed-in-local-plan-process-to-protect-stroud-districts-communities-and-environment   Here is the Inspectors’ letter to the Council: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/media/2236628/id-010-stroud-dlp-letter-from-inspectors-august-2023.pdf   And the Council’s response: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/media/2236635/sdc-letter-to-the-inspectors-29823.pdf   Of course, we will contact you again as soon as there is anything more to report.   Many thanks for your support, as always.Best wishes, BaSRAG (Berkeley and Sharpness Residents’ Action Group)