Councillors have today (Monday 10) voted through a formal planning document setting out where thousands of new homes will be built over the next 16 years.
At a meeting of Full Council this afternoon, it was agreed that the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan would be sent forward for public examination by the Secretary of State.
The plan is a statutory document which includes housing targets as well as providing for new economic development such as offices, industry and warehousing. Larger sites accommodating 500-plus homes and those more than five hectares in size are specifically identified.
It also contains policies to ensure new development is supported by required infrastructure, as well as plans aimed at enhancing the natural and built environment.
The plan has been jointly prepared with Broxtowe and Rushcliffe borough councils, who are also seeking formal approval to proceed. Gedling Borough Council had originally been a partner but withdrew earlier this year.
This document guards against speculative development and ensures that each authority has planned for future housing and other development requirements. The government is clear that all councils must have an up-to-date development plan and will use sanctions if authorities do not fulfil this statutory duty.
The plan’s submission follows a series of major public consultations on successive drafts, including the Preferred Approach version and two Regulation 19 Publication versions in November 2024 and March 2025.
The March consultation reflected the revised partnership arrangement and updated housing figures for Broxtowe and Rushcliffe.
Hundreds of statutory bodies, developers, community groups and individual residents provided feedback, which has shaped the final submission version and informed a detailed Report of Consultation.
Councillor Jay Hayes, Executive Member for Housing and Planning at Nottingham City Council, said: “I was pleased to present this document to Full Council today. It’s a significant milestone in shaping the future of our city and neighbouring boroughs.
“The Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan sets out our shared vision for sustainable growth, housing, infrastructure and environmental stewardship across Nottingham City, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe.
“It replaces the outdated Part 1 Local Plan and reflects years of collaborative work, public consultation and evidence-based planning.
“We understood and respected Gedling’s decision to prepare its own Local Plan because of recent national planning reforms, but the core objectives and policies of the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan remain robust and relevant.
“The revised version we have sent forward today ensures that our communities benefit from a clear, coordinated strategy that meets housing needs, supports economic development, and protects our environment.
“Submission to the Secretary of State marks the beginning of independent examination where a Planning Inspector will assess the plan’s soundness and legal compliance. We are confident in the strength of our proposals and welcome constructive scrutiny.”