Decision

To submit a consultation response to Gloucestershire County Council on the draft update to the Gloucestershire Local Transport Plan (LTP).
The LTP is at an early stage of review and feedback provided will be reviewed alongside technical evidence and stakeholder input to help develop the updated LTP. There will be a formal public consultation on the draft Plan expected in late 2026 before it is finalised and adopted in 2027.
This response has been prepared collaboratively with Gloucester City Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council through the Strategic and Local Plan (SLP) partnership. It represents a coordinated, strategic position reflecting cross-boundary issues, shared growth ambitions, and aligned transport priorities across the Joint Core Strategy / emerging SLP area.
A copy of the consultation response is attached to this decision.

Reasons for the decision

The LTP is a strategic document that that will shape transport provision, infrastructure investment, and movement patterns across Gloucestershire for at least the next 15 years. It will directly influence the delivery of planned growth, connectivity, and the functioning of local communities.
Submitting a joint response is important for the following reasons:
Alignment with Strategic Planning: The emerging SLP will identify planned growth across Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Tewkesbury. Ensuring the LTP aligns with this spatial strategy is fundamental to delivering sustainable and coordinated development.
Supporting Sustainable Growth: Transport infrastructure and policy are central to enabling housing and employment growth. A well-aligned LTP will support:
• Delivery of key development sites
• Improved access to jobs, services, and education
• Reduced congestion and improved network efficiency
Responding to Climate Change Commitments: Transport is a major contributor to carbon emissions. The LTP provides an opportunity to embed:
• Modal shift towards walking, cycling, and public transport
• Reduced reliance on private vehicles
• Enhanced low-carbon and zero-emission transport solutions
This aligns with the Council’s climate emergency declaration, Corporate Plan and wider environmental objectives.
Economic Competitiveness and Place-Shaping: Effective and sustainable transport networks are essential to attracting investment, supporting local businesses, and maintaining Cheltenham’s role as a key economic centre within the county and wider region.
Addressing Local Needs and Inequalities: The LTP must reflect the day-to-day transport needs of residents, including:
• Accessibility to essential services
• Connectivity for rural and urban communities
• Inclusive transport options for all user groups
Strengthening Partnership Working: A joint response demonstrates a proactive and coordinated approach between the SLP authorities, ensuring a stronger, unified voice in influencing county-level strategy.

Alternative options considered

Not respond to the consultation – this was discounted given the role transport management alongside planned and future transport interventions will have upon our area. Transport is a key strand of the emerging SLP and important that we ensure we are planning for the right outcomes.
Submit a response only on behalf of Cheltenham Borough – this was discounted. A joint SLP responses ensures that transport our priorities are articulated consistently and supported by a shared evidence base and coordinated approach to growth and infrastructure delivery.