Leader's blog - 19 October 2022
Published: Wednesday, 19 October, 2022
River restoration and community support
"We have a vision for a fairer, greener district and commitments to community engagement and action for climate and nature. These issues were the guiding factors in our decision last week not to support a new “Investment Zone” at the Gloucestershire Science & Technology Park in Berkeley. Like nearby Oxfordshire County Council, we decided that the de-regularisation of planning controls and reductions in environmental protection, which appear to be a condition for an Investment Zone, were incompatible with our local values. We do however remain committed to supporting high quality development at this site and were delighted to recently help secure £450,000 for a new renewable energy and retrofit training centre there, for South Gloucestershire & Stroud College.
Natural flood management is a great example of a project where the district council has been taking action in partnership with others to restore nature and help communities adapt to our changing climate. The Severn Vale Catchment Partnership also includes the Environment Agency, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Severn Rivers Trust, and Stroud Valleys Project.
To support the restoration and recovery of the natural environment, as well as future planning and funding bids, the Catchment Partnership has produced a Draft Vision and Strategic Action Plan for informal consultation. Responses should be sent to FromeSAP@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk) or taken to Stroud Valleys Project Eco Shop, Threadneedle Street, Stroud, by 21 November.
The Cost of Living Crisis is also on the agenda this week, as on Thursday we’ll debate action to help people through this coming winter, and allocate funding for the district council’s work, which includes supporting the frontline community and voluntary sector response. Members of the public would be welcome to attend, and the agenda can be found here.
Finally with half term holidays ahead there are many fantastic free family activities available which will be publicised through council and hopefully local media channels this week."
Cllr Catherine Braun
Leader, Stroud District Council