Planning policy

Our planning policies are put in place so we can ensure development benefits the borough both now and over the long term.

The local development documents of Cheltenham take into account social, economic and environmental factors such as housing, employment and health and do not purely focus on the regulation and control of land.

Adopted policies form the basis for decision making on all relevant planning matters including planning applications.

The Joint Core Strategy (JCS) forms the top tier of the development plan for Cheltenham borough.

The Cheltenham Plan is specific to Cheltenham and is used together with the JCS to guide decisions on relevant planning matters.

Neighbourhood development plans must be in line with the JCS and national planning policy, all of which must be based on robust supporting evidence.