Stoke-on-Trent Local Plan- How to Object

BL3 leaflet

As we are now in the final week of the Local Plan 'regulation 19' consultation, a reminder of the issues around this site;

  • Loss of the Greenbelt
  • Objection from Network Rail over the level crossing
  • Failure to incorporate potential development at Uttoxeter Road (in Staffordshire Moorlands)
  • Unsafe access

The national Planning Inspector will test the Local Plan against four tests of soundness. These are the challenges it faces over site BL3;

  1. Not positively prepared as it relies on an unsafe access and ignores the cross boundary impacts (Uttoxeter Road development)
  2. Not justified as safer alternatives exist and the evidence base is incomplete
  3. Not effective because the access is undeliverable and Network Rail have not been engaged
  4. Not consistent with national policy as it fails on safe access, Greenbelt protection, infrastructure capacity and cross-boundary co-operation.

I've delivered a short leaflet to every household in Catchems Corner outlining these issues, along with details on how to object.

The Consultation closes on 14 September 2026 at 11.59pm.

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Stoke-on-Trent's Local Plan : Network Rail's view on site BL3

One of the key issues of concern with Local Plan site BL3 is the access via Caverswall Lane. As the name suggests, it's a narrow lane with no safe pedestrian access. It's also become increasingly busy over recent years - and is home to the only level crossing within Stoke-on-Trent.