Stroud’s New Local Plan 2026 is the council’s fresh blueprint for where homes, jobs and infrastructure go over the next 15–20 years, replacing the 2015 plan that now runs only to 2031. The current consultation, which runs until Sunday, August 9, is an early scoping phase, asking for views on broad locations and constraints – including places like Ruscombe Valley – before draft site options are produced. In the letter, the resident writes: "I recognise the need for new housing and understand the challenge of meeting future housing targets. "However, I believe the Ruscombe Valley should not be allocated for development. The Local Plan consultation runs until 11pm on Sunday, August 9, with online responses invited via the council’s website.