The leader of South Gloucestershire Council has outlined a plan to address the housing shortage in the district by setting the stage for the construction of over 20,000 new homes by 2040. This ambitious plan includes developing more than 7,000 homes on previously undeveloped land.

The emerging Local Plan details the allocation of these new homes, aiming to balance the need for housing with sustainable development principles. Notably, the plan includes a significant proposal for 800 homes on the current Woodlands Golf Course site near Bradley Stoke, with the potential to increase this to 1,750 homes by the plan’s conclusion.

Councillor Claire Young, leader of the council, emphasised the shortage of brownfield sites within the district during a discussion on BBC Radio Bristol. She highlighted the council’s commitment to sustainable living, explaining that the chosen development locations would help reduce dependence on car travel by promoting proximity to existing town centres and services.

The council is enhancing its focus on affordable housing, increasing the requirement for developers from 35% to 40% of new homes to be affordable. Cllr Young proudly referenced the council’s strong performance in delivering affordable homes, with a significant number of social rent and shared ownership homes completed in the last year.