Leader's blog - 27 July 2022
Published: Wednesday, 27 July, 2022
Partnership to be agreed for Brimscombe Port development
“Having served as Deputy for a year, I was honoured to be elected as Leader of Stroud District Council last week, following the resignation of Cllr Doina Cornell, with Cllr Natalie Bennett elected as the new Deputy Leader. Our district owes a huge vote of thanks to Cllr Cornell for her inclusive and progressive leadership over the last four years, which included leading the district council’s response to the Covid pandemic to maintain frontline services, as well as establishing our ambitious Council Plan, which sets priorities for the environment & climate, community resilience & wellbeing, and local economy & regeneration. Our council administration remains committed to this plan and to continuing with the major projects underway.
Top of the list for this week is news on the redevelopment of Brimscombe Port in line with community vision for the site. This flagship project has been in development for over 15 years, and it’s now reached a crucial stage, with the announcement of the developer, who will work in partnership with Stroud District Council to build a new environmentally sustainable development with at least 150 low carbon, energy efficient homes, including 30% affordable homes.
Councillors approved the selection of the preferred developer at the July meeting of the Strategy & Resources Committee, but due to a commercial confidentiality period, we have had to wait for the name to be publicly announced. Councillors set the project requirements back in 2019, but we’ve had no role in the procurement process, which must be undertaken independently.
As well as new homes, the Brimscombe Port development will include community facilities, commercial space with opportunities for tourism and jobs, walking and cycling and improved biodiversity. I think the winning designs look fantastic, and I hope you’ll like them too. There’ll be an opportunity to meet the new developer at a drop-in event on Wednesday 10 August 2022 between 2.30pm and 8.00pm at Brimscombe Port Mill, Suite 5 West Suite, First Floor (lift available).”
Cllr Catherine Braun
Leader, Stroud District Council