Latest news with #StroudDistrictCouncil
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Latest plans at 'derelict and neglected' Stroud site
FRESH plans have been lodged to transform a graffiti strewn grot spot on a key gateway to Stroud. Proposals have been submitted to convert the former Bristol Street Motors showroom in London Road into a new convenience store which also includes plans for a new roof, shopfront and signage. This is the second attempt to revitalise the graffiti strewn site described as a 'horrible, neglected eyesore' and which closed two years ago. Previous plans to demolish the car dealership and build more than 30 homes were refused by Stroud District Council. The new plans - for a store which would sell food, household products and more - also includes twenty parking spaces. The proposals have been blasted by a leading figure who says he doesn't think there is enough demand for another convenience store, adding that the site should be used for housing. Cllr Lucas Schoemaker, town and district councillor for Trinity ward, said: 'This site as it stands is a horrible, neglected eyesore and a visual blight on this key entrance into Stroud town centre. 'Something needs to be done with it and I would ideally like this site to be used for housing. "However, we have heard nothing further from the potential developer whose earlier application was turned down for failure to meet SDC's affordable housing criteria.' Cllr Schoemaker doesn't believe that there is enough demand for another store of this kind. He said: 'The applicants say that the nearest similar stores are in Brimscombe and Bussage. "They don't seem to have taken into account that both Waitrose and the existing BP petrol station are only a short walk away – and that a convenience store only recently opened in King Street, a short drive away. 'I want the applicants to share with local councillors evidence of public consultation and market research to show that there is indeed enough demand to justify this application. I'd also like to know which retailer would be operating the proposed store, as this is not mentioned in the application. 'I'm also concerned about the potential traffic issues, given that the store would be open for 11 hours every day of the week, and the site's proximity to a busy roundabout. "Is the road wide enough for a right-turn lane? "I fear the same issues as at Merrywalks, where the lack of a right-turn lane for McDonalds is leading to long tailbacks, frustrating for motorists and a real threat to our precious air quality which is always under threat in the Golden Valley.' 'The tree officer's request is spot on: that a proper tree impact survey is done to reassure the council that the trees will be protected during the proposed work.' Cllr Schoemaker plans to 'call in' the application – meaning that it will be subject to a full discussion by councillors on the development control committee. Meanwhile he urges residents to submit comments to the council by the deadline of July 1 so that their views are taken into account. A statement - on behalf of the applicant - read: 'The provision of a convenience store on the east side of Stroud will fulfil the need for a store where customers will benefit from shorter cashier lines and longer opening hours selling food, grocery supplies, household products, hygiene products, toiletries, and other items similar to items on sale in larger supermarkets 'The nearest similar stores are at Brimscombe and the Tesco at Bussage. 'Twenty parking spaces including two staff and two accessible will be marked out in front of the building 'The building which has been unoccupied and boarded up since June 2023 provides a suitable location for a convenience store, with good access and adequate parking.' The proposals were also due to be discussed by the Highways and Consultations Committee at Stroud Town Council on Monday. In July 2023 Bristol Street Motors closed its doors for good - the site had been used for the motor trade for six decades. See the plans -
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Changes to Stroud High Street property among plans lodged
A NUMBER of planning applications have been received by Stroud District Council. The following planning applications have been received. Copies can be viewed at Stroud District Council's offices at Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB during office hours. The following planning applications have been received. Copies can be viewed at Stroud District Council's offices at Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB during office hours. Applications can also be viewed on the Council's website at Key: 1 – Departure from Local Plan; 2 – Affect a Public Right of Way; 3 – Within 10m of relevant railway land; 4 – EIA development with ES; 5 – Listed Building; 6 – Vary or discharge conditions LBC (exterior works); 7 – Affect the setting of a Listed Building, affect the character or appearance of a Conservation Area; 8 – Major Development (Article 2, DMPO); S.25/0620/FUL, Mr Windsor, 49 High Street, Change of use office (Class E) to residential (Class C3) with the addition of rooflights (7). S.25/0614/LBC, Mr Calvert, The Chestnuts, Bisley Old Road, Alterations to fenestration, internal alterations, replacement of dilapidated roofs, rebuild chimney, replacement of greenhouse, replacement of render with lime mortar (5,7). Any representations in respect of the above applications should be made in writing to the above address, via or planning@ no later than 25.06.2025
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
More CCTV and police patrols in clampdown across Stroud canal
NEW CCTV, more police patrols and removing graffiti tags are some of the measures being taken to reduce anti-social behaviour across the canal towpath in Stroud. Volunteers from the Cotswold Canals Trust are working with town and district councils, the police and more in order to reduce anti-social behaviour along the canal path. The aims of these measures is to make the towpath a 'safer' and 'more welcoming' space for everyone. Measures include exploring options for more CCTV at 'hotspot' locations, more patrols by police and volunteers plus removing graffiti tags. (Image: Cotswold Canals Trust) A CCT spokesperson said: "Our volunteers have taken the lead in uniting canal-side organisations to help reduce anti-social behaviour along the Stroudwater Navigation. "In collaboration with Stroud District Council (SDC), Stonehouse Town Council, local PCSOs, Cotswold Canals Connected, parish councils, and canal-side residents, this joint initiative is working to make the towpath a safer, more welcoming space for everyone. "CCTV options are being explored at hotspot locations. "Regular patrols are being undertaken by CCT volunteers and Community Officers – including new evening walks "Hazards are being removed and litter is picked weekly meanwhile graffiti tags are being overpainted and reported with funding being sought for wider removal. "There is a focus on responsible dog ownership and a clear towpath code of conduct meanwhile there is also ongoing vegetation management and Giant Hogweed control to protect users and wildlife." Gill Thomas, Stroud district councillor (Green, Minchinhampton) and CCT volunteer said: 'Tackling anti-social behaviour is critical to ensuring the canal remains a clean, safe and enjoyable space. "The canal is one of Stroud's most important cultural assets, bringing tourism and investment to the area. "It also plays a vital role in supporting an abundance of wildlife, and is loved by locals for its unique heritage and wellbeing benefits. 'We're working extremely hard to address ongoing issues like litter and graffiti and reminding all users about the importance of considerate use of the tow path. "We all have a responsibility to not only take care of the environment, but also each other, and that's an important part of the work we're doing.' A police spokesperson said: 'PCSOs from the Stroud Neighbourhood Policing Team are working in partnership with the Canal Trust and have regular meetings where we patrol the area and discuss any issues. 'A Neighbourhood Watch scheme is currently being set up in the area to help local residents and those in the community to also share information. 'There are deployable CCTV cameras which can be used by police and we are considering if they can be used in areas along the canal path that are of concern. 'We are aware of concerns about a broken viaduct gate and have liaised with Network Rail to facilitate for this to be repaired." Anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area should complete this form -
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Free wellbeing workshops for mums launched in Stroud
A MOTHER-led support network is launching a new wellbeing programme to help women feel connected, empowered and understood. The Stroud Motherhood Collective will begin offering free creative and wellbeing workshops across the Stroud district thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign through Stroud District Council's new Stroudfunding scheme. Catherine Forrester, founder and co-director of the Stroud Motherhood Collective, said: "The pressures and expectations on modern mothers are unprecedented, at a time that community and state support has dropped away from new parents. "One in five mothers in the UK last year experienced a diagnosed mental health condition, with many many more suffering in silence. "Suicide is now the leading cause of death in mothers in the year after birth. "We are working to create more spaces in which mothers can be really honest about their experience, find support from others, and learn new skills that support wellbeing." Launched in 2023, the collective already runs regular peer support groups in partnership with Stroud Maternity Unit, supported by the Stroud Hospitals League of Friends. Following last year's successful Crowdfunder, which included £3,000 from Stroud District Council, the group is now introducing a year-long programme. Each month, mothers will be able to participate in a different creative or wellbeing activity, including singing, creative writing, journaling, dance movement, massage and guided relaxation. Every session will also offer peer support, giving mothers a safe, facilitated space to discuss the realities of motherhood. Upcoming sessions include a creative writing morning at Stroud Library on Saturday, June 7, from 10am to 11.30am, and a creative journaling group at Oakbrook Community Farm on Sunday, July 6, from 10am to 12pm. Ms Forrester said: "We are thrilled to be launching this year-long programme of events to support mothers and help them create space, connection and joy." The sessions are open to pregnant women and mothers of children of any age. For more information or to book a space visit the Stroud Motherhood website.
Powys County Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Tributes paid to Green Party pioneer John Marjoram after his death aged 86
Tributes have been paid to the first elected Green Party councillor, who has died aged 86. John Marjoram was elected in 1986, a year after the Green Party had been formed, and was a councillor at town and district level for 35 years until he stepped down in 2021. Mr Marjoram, from Stroud in Gloucestershire, died on Saturday after a long illness. He held the record as the longest continuously serving Green Party councillor. An environmentalist, Quaker and pacifist, Mr Marjoram was a co-founder of the Stroud Green Party in 1985 and was elected to the district council the following year. As well as district councillor, Mr Marjoram was elected to the town council when it was formed in 1990, before becoming the UK's first Green Party mayor. He grew up in rural Essex and developed an early interest in politics during dinner table debates with his staunch Labour father and Conservative-voting mother. When he was called up for national service he cited his pacifist beliefs, and remained in an administrative role while others in his intake went to Malaysia to fight the Communists. In 1968 he moved to Stroud with his young family, drawn there by his affiliation with the Quakers, who had a strong presence in the town. Catherine Braun, Green Party councillor and leader of Stroud District Council, said: 'It was John who persuaded me to stand as a paper candidate, before I was eventually elected to Stroud District Council. 'He was such an influential and inspirational activist, not just to us here in Stroud district but across the whole Green movement. He will be much missed.' Martin Baxendale, a district councillor in Stroud, said: 'John's first election leaflet for Stroud District Council in the 1980s inspired me. 'I read it, phoned him, and within half an hour he was on my doorstep talking me into joining the Green Party and standing for election to work alongside him.' Jonathan Edmunds added: 'John was an amazing man who inspired so many people into the Green Party and peace movement. 'A real maverick, they certainly don't make them like John any more. 'He was so passionate about politics but also cared deeply for all people and the planet. 'Stroud will be a lot quieter without him but he has certainly left a great legacy and it is for all of us to continue his work.'
