Dear All,

Tradition has it that August should be a quiet month; but it certainly hasn’t been in Eastington as we all know. In this month’s letter I would like to cover three issues, the Ecotricity Proposal, the West of Stonehouse Development and the Canal.

So,  starting with the proposals from Ecotricity for a Football Stadium and Business Park (the adjective green does not have any meaning in planning) which many of us went to see at their open day on the 3rd September. Although I am keeping on open mind, which is right ahead of a formal application, I have 2 major concerns, which I outlined last time, and have taken the following actions. The first is infrastructure and I have requested a meeting with Gloucester County Council Highways team, as despite assurances by Dale Vince on Radio Gloucester to fund this, my concern remains that there may be limitations to what is possible. The second is that this proposal is not part of the Local Plan which Eastington is being asked to make sacrifices for.  I have met the SDC Planning Department to understand the process.  We will have to wait until the Inspector rules on the Local Plan for it to be valid but it will be taken into account when a formal planning request is made by Ecotricity.

Two final comments, I am also concerned about the proximity to the William Morris House Community and this will have to be specifically addressed, and I am concerned that the opinion of local residents is clearly heard and I plan to knock on doors to talk to residents in the near future. It would be true to say that my mail box (cllr.stephen.davies@stroud.gov.uk) has not been flooded with either those for or against.

Turning to other matters, although I respect that there is still an active Campaign opposing the “West of Stonehouse” development, there is a strong likelihood that this will go ahead and I believe that it is now time to engage with SDC Planning to understand and even input to the more detailed plan that is being developed. I have recently met with them and the more detailed plan includes schools, retails facilities, health facilities, highways, affordable homes, design, tree preservation orders, canals and the gaps between existing houses and this new development.

I have encouraged the Parish Council and SPA to engage in this conversation and am happy to broker this, but if any individual would like to join a meeting please let me know.

Finally on a more positive note. I met with the Cotswold Canals Trust who are making a request of the Heritage Lottery Fund to complete the final mile. They have an excellent case which is being taken very seriously. It makes me feel better about those lottery tickets I buy and then throw away.

If there is anything else you would like to raise with me please get in touch.

Thanks

Stephen.…

Councillor Stephen Davies

Eastington and Standish Ward

cllr.stephen.davies@stroud.gov.uk  | 07802 595 307.