Local planning blueprint set for public examination

South Gloucestershire Council.

South Gloucestershire’s Core Strategy – the district’s vital local planning blueprint for the next 14 years – takes a step closer to implementation this week with the beginning of its ‘Examination in Public’ by an independent, Government-appointed Inspector.

Over 11 individual days (between Tuesday 19th June and Friday 13th July), the Inspector will consider the strategy in detail and hear representations from members of the public, prior to making a recommendation to the council on whether the plan is ‘sound’ and can be adopted for implementation.

As the district’s main planning document, the Core Strategy sets out South Gloucestershire’s overarching development vision until 2026, helping the council to plan for the new jobs, homes and infrastructure that the district will need in the future. Without the core ctrategy being in place decisions on planning proposals would only be able to take account of the policies’ national planning framework, and the council would not be able to give any weight to the priorities and policies which are considered to be important locally.

Chair of South Gloucestershire Council’s Planning, Transportation and Strategic Environment Committee Brian Allinson said:

“South Gloucestershire’s Core Strategy is a vital blueprint for the future of our district, setting out a local vision for sustainable development and growth for the next 14 years.”

“Good planning can make a positive difference to all of our lives and this strategy will ensure that we have the local policies in place to deliver the homes, jobs and opportunities we need, while also protecting and enhancing our natural environment.”

He added:

“This is a joined-up document that reflects the aims and strategies of a wide range of local people, groups and organisations. It would not have been possible without extensive consultation and engagement and I am extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to its development.”

The strategy’s proposals show how the council is planning positively for jobs, including the creation of a centre of aerospace excellence focused on the Filton Airfield site, new employment opportunities at an expanded retail centre at the Mall Cribbs Causeway, and unlocking the potential of the Avonmouth/Severnside area.

The strategy also responds to local evidence of demand for new homes, including affordable housing, throughout the district, helping to make sure that mixed and balanced new communities are delivered in a managed and sustainable manner while also preserving and protecting South Gloucestershire’s green spaces for future generations.

The plan will see significant new infrastructure being delivered; the roads, public transportation links, schools, open space and other public facilities necessary to enable the new and existing communities of South Gloucestershire to prosper.

Over the course of the Examination in Public, the Inspector will hear evidence from a wide range of local people and organisations who have submitted formal comments on the strategy.

The hearings will be open to the public but participation in sessions will be at the Inspector’s invitation only, as set out in the published programme.

The strategy was formally approved at a meeting of full Council on 14th December and submitted to the Government Inspector in February.

Further information, including the full strategy document and details of the examination in public, is available from www.southglos.gov.uk/corestrategy.

Source: South Gloucestershire Council

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