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.

Emerging Plan

Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council are now producing a Strategic and Local Plan (SLP).

The SLP will provide an overarching planning strategy, shared policies covering all three councils, and local policies covering matters of local importance.

Further information, including details of the timetable, how to get involved and sign up for notifications, is available on the SLP website.

Current planning policy

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.

Read more about Joint Core Strategy

Joint Core Strategy

The JCS was formed to produce a co-ordinated strategic development plan for the area during the period up to 2031

Read more about The Cheltenham Plan

The Cheltenham Plan

Conserving the special environment of Cheltenham and identifying land which will be needed for future development

Read more about Supplementary guidance

Supplementary guidance

Advice and guidance for submitting planning applications

Additional policy

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

Read more about Neighbourhood plans

Neighbourhood plans

Neighbourhood planning is a tier of the planning system which seeks to give communities more control over the future of their area

Read more about Community infrastructure levy

Community infrastructure levy

Raising funds from developers undertaking new building projects

Read more about Evidence base

Evidence base

Reviews and reports which will support the preparation of the Local Development Framework

Contact the planning policy team

Additional information