Council seeks views on the district’s future
Published: Wednesday, 11 October, 2017
Stroud District Council has begun an eight-week consultation on its strategy to shape the future of the district. The review will decide the economic future of the district as it will identify key areas for housing and employment growth for decades to come. As part of the consultation a number of drop-in events have been organised across the district to encourage residents and businesses to find out more and give their views.
Councillor Steve Lydon, leader of Stroud District Council, said:
"Essentially it’s about where homes, businesses and infrastructure such as shops, schools and play areas should be located so that we can build strong and healthy communities The aim is to ensure that we create a great district to live, work and enjoy, for now and for generations to come. Housing and affordable homes for current and future needs are the most important issues we face. The local plan affords us a process to objectively look at and agree where and what type of housing we need in order to plan for a better future."
The current strategy, called the Stroud District Local Plan, took several years to develop and was adopted in 2015, and whilst Stroud is the only district in Gloucestershire to have one in place, the 2015 plan committed the council to this early review.
Councillor Simon Pickering, chair of Stroud District Council’s environment committee, said:
"The local plan is a high-level strategy document about future development within in the district. It will need to take into account potential effects of Brexit, changes in transport needs, the effects and opportunities of climate change, an aging population and a rapidly changing world where online shopping and home deliveries continue to grow and the future role of our high streets and shops."
Councillor Lydon added:
"This review is expected to be completed in 2022 but we’re keen to get people involved at the very start of the process. We want as many people as possible to come along to our drop in events and put their views forward – after all, ultimately it’s about their and their children’s futures."
The drop-in events take place over the next two months. Locations and dates are as follows:
| Wotton under Edge | Town Hall, Market Street | Saturday 21st October, 9.30 – 12.30pm |
| Hardwicke | Village Hall, Green Lane | Thursday 26th October, 3pm – 6.30pm |
| Stroud | Subscription Rooms, George Street | Saturday 28th October, 9.30 – 12.30pm |
| Berkeley | Town Hall, Salter Street | Thursday 2nd November, 3pm – 6.30pm |
| Stonehouse | Town Hall, High Street | Saturday 4th November, 9.30 – 12.30pm |
| Nailsworth | Mortimer Room, Old Market | Wednesday 8th November, 3pm – 6pm |
| Frampton | Village Hall, The Street | Thursday 9th November, 3pm – 6.30pm |
| Dursley | Methodist Hall, Castle Street | Saturday 11th November, 9.30 – 12.30pm |
| Painswick | Town Hall, Victoria Square | Tuesday 14th November, 3pm – 6.30pm |
| Cam | Parish Council Office | Thursday 16th November, 3pm – 6.30pm |
The consultation runs from Wednesday 11 October until Tuesday 5 December. Aside from the events, anyone wishing to take part can visit www.stroud.gov.uk/localplanreview to read the consultation document and complete an online survey to give their feedback.
They can also view documents at Stroud District Council’s Ebley Mill offices, local libraries and parish council offices that are open to the public.
For further information and how to comment view: