By the time you read this we will be embroiled in planning issues, so nothing new there then.
The first is the latest application for West of Stonehouse, which will have gone to the Development Control Committee where we will have spoken out against this. This is unfortunate as up until now we have largely got agreement to modify plans to achieve our objective of getting the best possible development we can. The reason we will speak against is that the proposed “buffers” are inadequate to achieve their objective of providing strategic buffer. This is after a number of meetings but not enough progress. I hope that the Committee will decide to send this application back for further work.
The second is the Ecotricity Stadium proposal which we are expecting to come to the Development Control Committee in the summer. Currently there is no date. We will be raising concerns that this is not in the local plan, will have impact on the traffic and is too close to William Morris House.
In other news Stroud District Council is under continuous Financial Pressure. Some of the actions being taken cause concerns including the reduction in Neighbourhood Wardens and the introduction of Parking charges in Nailsworth and Wooton particularly in comparison with the money still being spent on the Stroud Subscription Rooms. Politics is about prioritising decisions and that is something we take very seriously.
Finally it is excellent news that the Lottery Heritage fund made a grant that allows the continuing work on the Stroudwater Canal. More money will be required to complete this but this is a significant next step.
As ever if there is anything we can do to help please contact:
Stephen Davies at cllr.stephen.davies@stroud.gov.uk tel: 07802 595 307
John Jones at cllr.john.jones@stroud.gov.uk tel: 07808 922 918.