New waterside community plans take major step forward

A 20-year plan to create a new waterside community has taken a major step forward.

Stroud District Council's (SDC) strategy and resources committee recommended putting aside about £630,000 to buy commercial units at the Brimscombe Port site, which will also include 150 homes.

Developers St Modwen Homes will hold a public consultation event on 12 December, with a planning application anticipated in spring 2025.

Catherine Braun, council leader, said she is "very happy" they "are close to completing the final development agreement".

The anticipated planning application is expected to include low carbon homes, cafes, community facilities, commercial space, and a restored canal basin.

About 30% of the new houses will be affordable council homes, for rent and shared ownership.

Emerging proposals for Brimscombe Port were consulted on in 2022, and SDC said St Modwen Homes had been "taking on board that feedback".

Ms Braun said the council has been working on the site's redevelopment since 2004.

She said: “Community engagement is key to the success of this project and I am delighted that there is so much interest in this next phase of work.”

SDC has contributed £2.6m to the project at the former canal port, and government support totalling £2.7m has been loaned by Homes England, and granted by the One Public Estate Programme to ensure the site is viable for development.

The council's cabinet will now have to approve the £630,000 investment into the commercial spaces.

The consultation on 12 December will take place at Stroud Brewery and Taproom.

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