Letter from our District Councillors

Cllr Stephen Davies  and  Cllr John Jones

Despite the interesting times and endless elections that we have been through, the good work of Local Government continues.

The new waste collection service continues to result in a significant increase in recycling in the District which is good although there is still a higher than budgeted cost for this. This is helped by the higher take up of the Green Waste scheme and the removal of recycling centres in Cainscross and Cam. There are still some issues and if you have any problems please let me know.

On planning we have had 2 Appeals rulings. The first was permission for a house at Nursery End, which I supported as it saves an existing building and protects it for the future. The second was a development of 22 houses which was outside the Local Plan and the Neighbourhood Plan which I objected to and I am glad to see the Appeal was rejected.

We are waiting for a new detailed planning application for the first phase of West of Stonehouse, the initial application being withdrawn after a number of concerns were raised. As ever we will need to be vigilant and study the new application when it comes.

Finally on planning, the Ecotricity Application is not expected to be considered at the Development and Control Committee until the Autumn.  I will continue to oppose this as it is inconsistent with the Local Plan, will cause traffic congestion on Junction 13 and the A419, as well as disrupting the good work done at the William Morris House. I fear there is a considerable amount of confusion about this application including the assumption it will be passed. This is not true and there is all to fight for.

On traffic there was a consultation on the A419 improvements in Stonehouse that outlined the proposed changes planned in support of the West of Stonehouse development.

As ever if there is anything we can do to help please don't hesitate to contact me at

 cllr.stephen.davies@stroud.gov.uk or on 07802 595 307

or John at cllr.john.jones@stroud.gov.uk.