The Cleevelands site is not currently identified for development and is outside the urban area of Bishop's Cleeve. The southern part of the site was suggested by the Borough Council for inclusion in the Tewkesbury Borough Local Plan 1991-2011 but was not included in the adopted document.

The emerging South West Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) identifies land to the north of Bishop's Cleeve as an 'Area of Search' for up to 1,000 dwellings. Planning permission was granted on appeal for 450 dwellings at Homelands Farm and, accordingly, there is still potentially a requirement to identify additional land for up to 550 dwellings. If further growth is required, the options are Cleevelands, further development at Homelands Farm within the 'Gotherington Gap' or land to the south of the village within the Green Belt.

The emerging Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Joint Core Strategy does not currently identify a site to meet the remaining requirements of the RSS. However, in addition to new homes, the emerging proposals indicate that any sustainable urban extension at Bishop's Cleeve should also include land for employment, community and other infrastructure uses. Although a site for a school is also identified, the Education Authority is now proposing to expand the two existing primary schools.

A sustainable form of development is being proposed at Cleevelands with a mix of uses to meet the day-to-day need of the community, encouraging non car modes of travel, constructing energy efficient buildings, reducing water consumption, improving the floodplain, enhancing biodiversity, providing a safe and secure enviroinment and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

In addition to being in accordance with the emerging planning policies and principles of sustainable development, there is a range of standards, guidance and advice documents which have been published by the Borough Council and other agencies which would also influence the proposals for Cleevelands.