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Bold vision set out for greener, smarter growth

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Gloucestershire County Council is stepping up its commitment to shaping a better future for residents with two major initiatives aimed at delivering sustainable development and unlocking investment across the county.

The county council is set to adopt the Local Development Guide (LDG) – this updated framework sets out clear expectations for developers and planners. It is designed to ensure that new developments are well-designed, environmentally responsible and benefit local communities. From transport and education to libraries and climate resilience, the LDG will help steer growth and ensure a sustainable future.

Alongside this, the council is re-launching the Gloucestershire Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), an £8 million loan fund to support projects that boost connectivity, housing, and economic growth. The loan fund will help unlock stalled developments, improve transport links, and support regeneration in areas that need it most. This powerful tool has already helped unlock major projects like Gloucester Services and the 270 Climbing Park in Bentham under its previous guise within GFirst LEP. It will now continue to help deliver the ambitions set out in the Gloucestershire Economic Strategy and ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with growth.

Reports on the initiatives are being presented to cabinet at a meeting on Wednesday 23 July.

Gloucestershire County Council will work closely with district councils, developers and local communities to ensure the plans deliver real impact. The LDG will be used to inform planning decisions from this summer, while the GIIF is expected to begin allocating funding before the end of this financial year.

Cllr Julian Tooke, cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure, said: “We want Gloucestershire to be a place where growth is not just about numbers, but about delivering quality places - where people want to live, where services are accessible, roads are safe and walkable, and where communities feel proud of their local community.

“These initiatives will help shape places where people want to live, work and thrive - and where future generations feel proud to call Gloucestershire home.”

For more details, see the LDG cabinet report and GIIF Cabinet Report.