‘Shock’ move as Gedling pulls out of Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan

Gedling Borough Council has decided to withdraw from the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan to focus on its own Local Plan, subject to full council approval at a meeting next Thursday (February 17).

The council insists that the new Gedling Local Development Plan will address all of the borough’s housing and development needs, meeting the government’s updated requirements for councils.

The decision follows recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which introduced new housing targets. By withdrawing from the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan (GNSP), the council can ensure Gedling’s full housing need of 609 homes per year is met, compared to the 80% coverage that the previous plan would have achieved.

The council’s updated Local Development Scheme sets out a “clear timetable” for completing the new plan, with a goal of adoption by late 2027. The council will consult with residents, businesses, and community groups throughout the process to ensure their voices are heard.

The council says the Gedling Local Development Plan will also address key issues such as sustainability and climate change. A Climate Impact Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal will guide the development of the plan, ensuring it aligns with the council’s goal to become net zero by 2030.

Deputy leader of Gedling Borough Council, councillor Jenny Hollingsworth said:
“This decision to withdraw from the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan was not taken lightly but it allows us to take full control of our borough’s future development.

“We’re committed to meeting housing needs in a way that benefits residents and provides affordable, sustainable homes. We have enjoyed a very productive and positive relationship with our partners in Broxtowe, Rushcliffe, and Nottingham City and we will continue to work with our neighbours on key infrastructure and planning projects. Work already completed on the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan will not be wasted.

“Shared evidence and agreed policies will be used where they benefit Gedling’s new plan. However, the council’s focus will now be on identifying sites that can deliver market and affordable homes more quickly and efficiently.”

Nick Grace, partner at GraceMachin Planning & Property, based in Nottingham, who has been involved with strategic promotion of housing land in Gedling for more than 22 years, said: “I think this a significant and major step that Gedling is making in light of the recently published NPPF in December 2024.

“Different authorities in the region are acting differently, with Newark and Sherwood DC very recently publishing a report which has dropped their housing supply to under five years supply.

“In the case of Gedling, it’s a time of immediate reflection and careful consideration of what the implications of this report are but it certainly requires careful reading and it will be very interesting to see if the Cabinet next week, support the recommendation to withdraw from the long-running Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan (GNSP). The GNSP was moving towards inspector-led hearing sessions this year – I think for some – including myself – this will come as something of a shock move.”