Working towards a new Local Plan
Our borough is growing, and we need a new Local Plan to guide future development. The Local Plan sets out our vision for creating more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable communities across the borough of Rochdale.
What we've done so far
Between December 2025 and February 2026, we asked for your views on a draft of the new Local Plan.
Since then, we have reviewed all the comments received and finalised the evidence needed to support the plan.
We have now produced the Publication Local Plan, which includes appropriate changes based on feedback we received on the Draft Local Plan.
View the Publication Local Plan
Have your say
From Friday, 14, August 2026 to Friday, 25, September 2026, we're asking for your views on the Publication Local Plan.
This is the final stage of public consultation before the plan is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination.
We've created a short guide to help you provide comments that can be considered as part of the consultation. View guidance on submitting a valid representation
The easiest way to submit your representations is to use our online form:
Have your say on the Publication Local Plan online
Other ways to have your say
You can also download a representation form.
Once completed you can return it to us by:
- Email: strategic.planning@rochdale.gov.uk
- Post: Strategic Planning, Rochdale Borough Council, 3rd Floor, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Supporting documents
The following documents have been prepared to support the creation of our new Local Plan:
- Integrated Assessment Regulation 19 Main Report
- Integrated Assessment Regulation 19 Non-Technical Summary
- Habitats Regulations Assessment
- Statement of Co-operation
- Consultation Statement
- Statement of Representations Procedure Notice
- Rochdale Local Plan Draft Monitoring Framework
Topic papers
Topic papers to provide background information on the policies included in our plan:
- Setting the Scene Topic Paper
- Economy Topic Paper
- Housing Topic Paper
- Town Centres Topic Paper
- Greener Place Topic Paper
- Climate and Flood Risk Topic Paper
- Connected Places Topic Paper
- People and Communities Topic Paper
- Design and Heritage Topic Paper
- Infrastructure Delivery Plan Scoping
Evidence
- Rochdale Town Centres Policy Advice 2026 and appendices
- Employment Land Study
- Local Plan Viability Assessment and Technical Appendices
- Housing Need Assessment
- Rochdale 2026 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment
- Draft Green and Blue Infrastructure Study
- Draft Open Space Assessment
- Draft Landscape Character Assessment
- Places for Everyone Evidence on Greater Manchester Combined Authority