WHAT IS IT?

The Core Strategy is the policy document or local plan that will show how much new development (including housing) will be allowed in Stroud District until 2026, and where that new development should go.

The Council uses information available on housing need, including changes in numbers of households, people moving in and out of the District and so on, to decide how many new homes are needed during the next 15 years.  It then looks at the possible sites where these homes could be built, using information in the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA).  This is a list of sites that have been put forward by either landowners or other interested parties as being suitable and available for development.  Having come up with a proposal, the District Council then consults with the public across the District (which is where you get your chance to have a say), before finalising its Strategy.

There has already been a lot of work done, including previous consultations, on the plan, with the total number of new homes needed decided at 3200 across the District and a list of six preferred sites agreed.  The identified sites include:

Hunts Grove (Hardwicke/Haresfield parishes)

• north east of Cam
• west of Stonehouse (Eastington parish)
• along the Stroud Valleys
• Aston Down
• Sharpness.

The focus will be on these six key sites across the district, as it is believed that having clusters of larger developments is sustainable and desirable for the long term success of our district as they will make better use of, and bring about improvements to, existing infrastructure. It is felt that small sites dotted around the district will do the opposite and put a strain on resources and communities, and would not encourage new facilities.   However, an alternative view is that additional houses in existing small developments could make them more sustainable.  Shops and schools in villages could become viable.  What do you think?

More information on the Core Strategy and the process to develop it, is available on the District Council website or from the Council at Ebley Mill.  More information will also be available in Cam during the consultation period, which will run from 6^th February to 16^th March.  You can also contact the Parish Council office to learn more, or speak to any of your District Councillors - contact details are found on the reverse of this newsletter.

There will be six drop-in exhibitions, targeted at the main development locations, where members of the public can look at the plans and ask questions. Times and locations are:

 

DATE	TIME	LOCATION
Wednesday 15 February	3pm - 8pm	Hardwicke Village Hall
Saturday 18 February	10am - 3pm	Winterbotham Memorial Hall, Cam
Wednesday 22 February	3pm - 8pm	Brimscombe & Thrupp Social Centre
Saturday 25 February	10am - 3pm	The Subscription Rooms, Stroud
Thursday 1 March	3pm - 8pm	Sharpness Village Hall
Saturday 3 March	10am - 3pm	Stonehouse Town Council

 

Display boards, providing information, will be available in the foyer at Tesco, Cam from Saturday 11^th until the 18^th February and following this, we will have the display available in Cam Parish Council Offices at 22 High Street.

 

Please come along and be involved in what's proposed in your community!

 

An understandable first reaction is to say "NO! We don't want any more new houses here".

But, realistically, we have to accept that these new homes are needed somewhere in Stroud District, and that Cam has a number of features that make it a more suitable place to build than some other parts of the District.  We have already negotiated the potential number of new homes down from 2000 to a maximum of 500 so will need a very strong argument for any further reduction.  It is also very possible that the community will benefit from  some new homes; new people can bring greater vitality and there could also be improvements to things like roads, transport and community facilities.  Can we develop part of Cam in a way that the community as a whole gains, or would the negatives outweigh the benefits?

In order to achieve the best for Cam, it is imperative that any development designed is truly sustainable.  Many people find Cam a delightful place to live, but employment is often considered a negative.  At the moment, most people have to travel outside the village to work; the Core Strategy proposals include a target of providing two or more new jobs for every new household built.  The challenge facing us is to ensure that any future growth is managed in a sustainable way, making provision for homes, jobs and community facilities, whilst at the same time protecting and improving our environment.

You may think that it is at the other end of the village and why should I care?   "If I can't see it, it won't affect me!"  ..... Well, think again, roads, shopping, medical, education, employment, recreation facilities - these will all be affected by more housing.  This is why we are asking you to have your say.

Click on www.stroud.gov.uk/consultation for more information from Stroud District Council and to take part in the consultation.  This link will be available between the consultation period of 6th February to the 19th March 2012.