Newcastle Under Lyme's council leader has called on the Government to scrap plans forcing the council to spend approximately £1 million on a new Local Plan. Cllr Jonathan Gullis has written to Housing Secretary Steve Reed MP, arguing the timing makes no financial sense for the borough.
The council already faces uncertainty over potential local government reorganisation that could abolish Newcastle Under Lyme within years. Despite this, Westminster is pressing officers to spend thousands of hours preparing a new Local Plan covering 2030 to 2045. The new plan would require space for 559 new homes per year, a significant increase from the current requirement of 400 homes annually.
"People do not pay council tax for pointless paperwork," Cllr Gullis said. The council leader has made clear that he will not support starting a new Local Plan while this uncertainty hangs over Newcastle Under Lyme. He believes the exercise risks being scrapped before completion if local government reorganisation proceeds.
Newcastle Under Lyme already has an agreed Local Plan for 2020 to 2040 awaiting formal adoption. This document is scheduled to go to Full Council on 8 July for approval, meaning the borough has a current planning framework in place.
The dispute highlights tensions between local and central government over planning priorities. For Newcastle Under Lyme residents, the outcome could determine whether the council invests significant resources in a long-term planning document or preserves funds while awaiting clarity on the borough's future structure.