produced by the community, for the community

Residents supported by Government Inspector


Following a two-year campaign by residents, KER and the Parish Council, Bathurst Developers were defeated at Appeal in June when Government Inspector Mrs Miles backed Eastington’s right to have open space between Alkerton and the other hamlets.  Mrs Miles stood at the crossroads of the many footpaths in these fields and saw for herself how well trodden they all were.


Describing the layout of the 12 hamlets of Eastington – as always portrayed on the cover of ECN – as “an ancient and distinctive landform”.  Mrs Miles has effectively stopped any large scale development which in-fills the gaps between hamlets.  This is a major victory for the Parish following the disappointment of Swallowcroft last year and the incessant pressure from developers seeking to swamp our parish.


Ed Davies described in the last ECN how it felt to sit in the Appeal Hearing and all of the residents who supported their Parish that day, as well as those who wrote letters and on-line objections, should take a pat on the back.  Whenever you feel the ”Planners never listen”, remember the Bath Road Appeal.



Taking the Open Space forward


KER has been campaigning for the land between Alkerton, Middle Street, Cress Green and Millend to be protected for some time.  It was an element of our defence of Swallowcroft and has been enhanced by the publication of a new planning law called “Local Green Space” or “LGS”.


LGS was an idea from the Localism Bill of 2012/13, which gives rural parishes the same kind of rights as an urban area has to designate Green Belt land.


It can only be created by way of a Neighbourhood Plan, which is why it has been incorporated on page 27, Map 5, Policy EP4.


It will be a matter for negotiation with Stroud District Planning Department as to how much of LGS A can be designated but this is our starting position!


Also being promoted for LGS status are


Implications for gaps between other hamlets


We are also looking at using LGS legislation to protect other valued open spaces , in particular we will be looking at the gaps between Nastend, Newtown, Westend and Nupend.


This is a more contentious area, being in the firing line for the proposed West of Stonehouse new town. However the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group feel there is scope for using Mrs Miles judgement to ensure that gaps between these historic hamlets be respected, whether West of Stonehouse proceeds or not.


Tom Low | July 2015