A DRAFT Local Plan for Stockton-on-Tees will be considered by councillors at a series of meetings next month.
The draft document sets out a vision for the future development of the Borough in relation to housing, the economy, community facilities and infrastructure up to 2032.
Members of the Council’s Planning Committee will be invited to comment on the draft when they meet on Thursday, November 3.
The document is then scheduled for consideration by Cabinet on November 10, and Full Council on November 17, when councillors will be asked to approve a draft of the plan to put out for a nine-week public consultation.
Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Councillor Bob Cook, said: “Stockton-on-Tees is a growing Borough and it is vital we plan for this growth to ensure it continues to be a great place to live, work and play.
“The Local Plan will enable us to plan ahead to protect the unique character of our Borough, and to identify the land required to provide the jobs and homes needed now and for future generations.
“The Local Plan is not about the Council proposing development; it is a plan to manage growth in the most sustainable way possible. The Borough’s population is projected to grow by over 20,000 people over the next 20 years and we need to plan for this, so that our residents have jobs and homes.
“With a Local Plan, the Council and its partners can plan for the right infrastructure such as new roads, health services, schools, waste and recycling services, and open spaces. We can also protect and enhance our heritage and ecological assets, improve our town centres and develop further our sport, recreation and leisure facilities.
“Once adopted, the Local Plan will be the starting point for consideration of planning applications for the development and use of land and ultimately, it will contribute to how we deliver our priorities to make Stockton-on-Tees a better place for everybody.
“I would encourage everyone to take a look at the draft plan and give us their views during the consultation.”
The document is currently at the preparation stage and if it is agreed by Council, a nine-week public consultation will be launched to seek the views of local people.
Publication of a Draft Local Plan would then follow next summer ahead of submission to Government in the Autumn, examination in public in Spring 2018 and formal adoption in Summer 2018.