Vision for traffic-free greenway showcased as Charfield station nears completion

As the new Charfield train station moves closer to completion, community leaders and project partners have been given a first-hand look at ambitious plans to connect local communities and link to the station through a new traffic-free greenway.

The visit on Friday 17 July began at the station, which is due to open in spring 2027, where MP Claire Young joined representatives from Stroud District Council, South Gloucestershire Council, Gloucestershire County Council and partner organisations to discuss how the proposed Wotton-under-Edge to Charfield Greenway could help residents access the station safely by foot, wheel or bike and better connect local communities.

Guests then viewed the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust’s latest route designs, funded by Stroud District Council, at Wotton Civic Centre.

The proposed greenway would create a largely traffic-free route linking Charfield with Wotton-under-Edge town centre. Along the way, it would connect key destinations including the Renishaw New Mills head office and Wotton Community Parc, making journeys safer and easier for residents, businesses, students and visitors.

Unlike on-road cycle lanes, the greenway is designed as a dedicated route separated from traffic for much of its length. This would provide a more attractive option for commuters travelling to and from the new station and people choosing active travel for local journeys.

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) has worked in partnership with the Wotton, Charfield & Kingswood Greenway Group, local councils and other partners from the beginning of the project to determine the best alignment for the route and engage with landowners and local stakeholders. They have produced designs for a high-quality and accessible route that would connect communities and enable people to choose to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys. 

Stroud District Council Chair of Environment Committee, Cllr Martin Pearcy said,

“The Greenway has been developed through a partnership involving local councils, community groups and the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, with the aim of creating a safe, sustainable transport corridor that complements the reopening of Charfield station.”  

South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member and local ward member for Charfield, councillor John O’Neill, said:

"We are working closely with our partners to deliver the new Charfield Station which is a major investment into Charfield and the surrounding area that will benefit local communities for generations to come. Providing sustainable transport connections to the station is vitally important. Projects such as the new Wotton–Charfield Greenway will help people access rail services by walking, wheeling and cycling, giving residents more convenient and sustainable travel choices. These plans will improve connectivity across the area, making it easier for people to access jobs, education and essential services.”

Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport & Road Safety, Cllr Roger Whyborn, said: 

“The proposed greenway has the potential to transform how people travel between Wotton-under-Edge, Charfield and the surrounding area. By providing a safer route, it would make it easier for people to walk, wheel or cycle for everyday journeys, whether that's getting to work or school, accessing local services, or visiting friends and family.

“As well as strengthening links between communities, the greenway would provide an important connection to the new Charfield station when it opens, giving residents greater access to rail travel and more sustainable choices for getting around.”

Wotton, Charfield and Kingswood Greenway Group representatives, Alex King and Catherine Braun, commented:

“The Greenway project has come such a long way since our 2017 community survey, followed by feasibility and route design studies undertaken with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. The support from parishes, businesses, community groups and councils throughout for our vision of a safe walking and cycling route connecting our communities has been amazing. We’re delighted that the councils are now taking the lead and have progressed this work to the detailed design stage, and we look forward to supporting community engagement through to project delivery.”

Renishaw Group Operations Director, Dave Wallace, said: 

"Renishaw is a long-time supporter of the greenway which will connect our New Mills and Charfield sites with the new station and local communities. This will help to reduce the carbon emissions from our employees commuting to work and provide a safe off-road route for all users.”

The proposed route forms part of a long-term vision to improve active travel connections across the area, helping people choose healthier, greener and safer ways to travel while reducing reliance on car journeys.

The events in Charfield and Wotton provided an opportunity for partners to discuss the route's potential benefits and the support needed to move the project from design into delivery.

The next steps will involve further consultation with landowners before the submission of a planning application for the detailed design of the route, and further work by the local authorities to seek funding for project delivery.

Cllr Pearcy concluded:

“An early-stage public consultation of the Local Plan is currently open until Sunday 9 August 2026, which gives people the opportunity to share their views on the key issues, priorities and potential growth options that should inform the new plan. Please do use this opportunity to give this project your support at www.stroud.gov.uk/consultations "

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