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Beauty spot saved from potential development

Martin Phelps Directors from the Heavens Valley Community Benefit Society pose for the camera as they stand on grass at the Heavens in Stroud. They are joined by current landowner Moreton Cullimore who is also smiling.Martin Phelps
The Heavens Valley Community Benefit Society has bought the land from Moreton Cullimore (second from right)

A popular beauty spot with views across the Stroud valleys is no longer at risk of future development.

Thrupp Farm, which is home to the scenic Heavens Valley, has been bought by a community group.

The Heavens Valley Community Benefit Society (HVCBS) cited the "extraordinary generosity of the local community" in a statement.

The group has raised more than £350,000, but has another £550,000 to repay in bridging loans and costs.

Susan Fenton Image shows sloping valley at the Heavens, on a sunny day, with trees at the sides with no leaves.Susan Fenton
The valley sits on the edge of the town of Stroud, stretching towards Thrupp, in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

HVCBS is a community collective of almost 700 shareholders.

The money raised so far has come from public pledges, but they will need to raise more to find the remaining money.

The agreement for the sale was announced in September, when the group announced it would buy the land from local haulage company owner Moreton Cullimore.

It is understood HVCBS was not the highest bidder for the site, but Mr Cullimore approved of conserving the land.

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