Leader's blog w/c 1 June 2026

You’ll know that increasing our supply of affordable homes across the district is a key priority for us as a council, and on that front there’s yet more good news to share this week, with thirteen new homes for social rent completed at Cambridge Avenue in Dursley.

Transforming a previously developed brownfield site into high-quality, energy-efficient housing for local families, these homes are exactly the kind of development our district needs: genuinely affordable, well-designed, and built to high environmental standards, helping residents reduce energy bills while supporting our climate commitments.

At a time when demand for affordable housing remains high, each new home makes a real difference - giving families security and putting down roots in their community.

Also this week, the third of our fortnightly updates on progress to reopen the Stratford Park lido was published on our website. An extraordinary meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee will take place on Wednesday 3 June to consider the additional funding required to complete the works. If agreed, this is expected to support operation of the outdoor pool during the summer of 2026 and the 2027 season, and will put us and the community in a good place to explore its future ownership and operation.

Applications are in for our latest round of Climate & Nature Grants – there’s always a brilliant batch of projects, and I’m looking forward to what our communities have proposed this time. In my ward of Minchinhampton, a small Climate and Nature Grant enabled the School PTA to turn a simple patch of land into a thriving vegetable garden and outdoor learning space. Thanks to volunteers, it’s now embedded in school life - helping around 300 children each year learn about food, nature and sustainability first-hand. It’s a powerful reminder that small investments can deliver lasting, meaningful change.

Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council