I hope like me you have been enjoying this long hot spell although I am always conscious that by the time you read this we may be in the wettest and coldest August in history.
There have been some “hot” political issues at Stroud District Council and I would like to update you on 3 of them.
The first is the latest application at West of Stonehouse, or Great Oldbury as we will all come to call it. I think that there were some significant improvements achieved in the process including house design, footpaths and the buffer between the development and Westend particularly. Sadly despite the efforts of the Parish Council, Councillor John Jones and myself at the Development and Control Committee we did not achieve all we wanted. There could have been a better buffer. Going forward I believe that future applications require our continued vigilance which we are committed to, although may have less challenges.
The second issue is the sale of the Subscription Rooms in Stroud to Stroud Town Council for £1, with a £230,000 grant and after Stroud District Council spend £120,000 on repairs. This contrasts with an offer from Ecotricity to buy the building and keep it as a public Arts Venue for £300,000. I believe that although an important Public Asset, and as due diligence has not been done on the Ecotricity proposal personally I don’t believe this is the best deal particularly for the wider District beyond Stroud.
The third issue is Car Parking where Stroud District Council has proposed and is consulting on the introduction of parking charges in Nailsworth, Dursley, Stratford Park and Wotton. This they claim is not to raise money but to increase “churn” at these sites. I have personally collected signatures at all 4 venues and believe this is a mistake. At Full Council recently I seconded a motion to have this considered by Full Council not just at Committee which was agreed so I will keep you updated.
Finally I wish you the best for the rest of the summer. The autumn will bring the Ecotricity Stadium Planning Application to the Development and Control Committee and more challenges.
As ever if John or I can help you please contact us at Cllr.John.Jones@stroud.gov.uk or cllr.stephen.davies@stroud.gov.uk or 07802 595 307.
Stephen….
John Jones adds: I’ve written to the Case Officer on the Westend Farm enlargement application copied in to the planning manager and team manager objecting on Highways grounds It should be on the Eastington PC application page shortly.
John is convalescing following Hip surgery – we wish him well and hope for a speedy recovery. Ed