Complex plans affecting retailers and businesses in Gloucestershire have reached an important milestone.

Members of Cotswold District Council (CDC) have agreed to submit the draft Cotswold District Local Plan, together with a number of changes and modifications, for examination by an independent inspector.

The Local Plan sets out planning policies and identifies how land is used, determining what will be built where.

At the same meeting, members agreed to submit the draft Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charging schedule so that it can be examined in tandem with the draft Local Plan.

Like the draft Local Plan, the CIL has been subject to extensive public consultation.

The planning charge will apply to new housing, residential extensions and retail development over 100 square metres and the money will be used to help deliver infrastructure that will support the development of the area.

Cllr Nick Parsons, deputy leader of CDC and cabinet member for forward planning, said: "This has been a very complex process over a number of years and I would like to thank the forward planning team for their hard work and dedication in getting us to this key stage.

"While there continue to be some outstanding objections to both the submission Draft Local Plan and some of the focused changes, these are not considered to be matters that would prevent us from submitting the documentation to the Secretary of State for examination.

"Indeed, many of the representations relate to issues that a Local Planning Authority would expect to be challenged on.

"Upon receipt of the submission documentation, a planning inspector will be appointed to examine the Draft Local Plan and the CIL.

"The inspector controls and sets the examination programme but we anticipate that the hearings will take place during late autumn this year."

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk