Waterside community a step closer
Plans for a new waterside community moved a big step forward after important infrastructure works were approved.
Delegated authority to grant permission for a canal basin and highways infrastructure at Brimscombe Port means the Council can work towards finding a development partner to transform the former industrial site with more than 150 new homes in a sustainable development with employment, commercial, retail, leisure, public space, community and business opportunities.
Positive conversations continue to help tenants find new premises – temporary leases have been used creatively by social enterprises, charities and businesses in some of the redundant 1960s and 70s industrial buildings to develop much valued community enterprises.
“This is an important development for Brimscombe, the Golden Valley and the wider district,” said Council Leader Doina Cornell. “Our vision is for ‘an exemplar and sustainable community, integrated with the existing surroundings’ and now we want to find a developer to work with so we can make this a reality. We hope to move ahead soon to procure a development partner who will work with the Council and other stakeholders so we can come up with the right design.”
The next step will be to procure a developer partner, then draw up a detailed planning application for the redevelopment proposals – that will be preceded by more public consultation. Future plans for cycle provision should be addressed during this process. Although it is a brownfield site there are some heritage buildings including the Listed stone-built Port Mill and Salt Warehouse, which will be retained.
“The next steps will be critical in achieving the sort of development we want in the heart of our community. Timing will be important to minimise the period the site is unoccupied” said Thrupp ward councillor Martin Whiteside. “The Council and development partner will need to work with the community and other stakeholders to design something we can all be proud of. We need to understand the financial and physical constraints of a narrow brownfield waterside site - but also realise the opportunities. Nature, sustainable travel, community facilities and energy efficiency will all be important.”
On Tuesday, February 23, the Council’s Development Control Committee delegated authority to officers to grant permission for the construction of the infrastructure for the future redevelopment of the Port to include the reinstatement of the canal from Bourne Mill to Goughs Orchard lock and a new basin, a new access road off the A419 and bridge works on Brimscombe Hill to enable a canal and river crossing, and demolition of units 1, 2a, 2b, 3, 4 and the Port House on the Brimscombe Port Business Park and units, 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 6, 7 and 8 on the Industrial Estate.
To find out more, visit: www.stroud.gov.uk/brimscombeport