The Stroud Council Environment Committee meeting on 20 June 2024 focused on public questions regarding local infrastructure projects, the appointment of outside bodies, and updates on performance monitoring and climate leadership.

Public Questions

M5 Junction 14 Design and Costings

Steve Willets, a resident of Cam, raised questions about the £100,000 budget allocated for the design and costings of M5 Junction 14. The council confirmed that the funds were approved at the 25 April 2024 meeting and that the work is being undertaken in collaboration with National Highways. The aim is to address concerns raised by inspectors during the draft local plan examination. Mr Willets expressed concerns about the adequacy of the budget, noting that similar schemes typically cost significantly more. The council assured him that a detailed response would be provided in writing.

South Gloucestershire Council's Role

Mr Willets also questioned why South Gloucestershire Council was not leading the project, given that M5 Junction 14 is within its jurisdiction. The council clarified that while the junction is a National Highways responsibility, Stroud District Council chose to lead the project to ensure timely progress. The joint action plan includes inputs from South Gloucestershire Council, which has advanced its local plan and is committed to the junction works.

Risks and Urgency

Mr Willets queried the urgency and risks associated with the project, particularly why Stroud District Council was using district taxpayers' funds for a project outside its jurisdiction. The council explained that failing to progress with the M5 Junction 14 works could delay or jeopardise the Seven Edge developments and risk the withdrawal of the Local Plan. This would lead to significant costs and reduced control over new developments in the district.

Appointment of Outside Bodies

The committee made several appointments to outside bodies, including:

• Barclay Nuclear Stakeholders: Councillors Turner-Wilkes and Dutton were appointed.
• Cotswolds National Landscape Board: Councillor Brown-Martin retained the role for continuity.
• Lower Seven Drainage Board: Councillor Mazi was appointed.
• Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Board: Councillor Hoffman will observe meetings initially and take over after a transitional period.
• Regeneration Committee: Councillor Hoffman was appointed.
• Stroud Valley Project Board: Councillor Brown retained the role for continuity.
• Rural Suds: Councillor Richard will take over after a transitional period.
• Stroud Valley’s Canal Company: Councillor Parker was appointed after a vote.
• Gloucestershire Resources and Waste Partnership: Councillors Dutton and Watson were appointed, with Councillor Watson stepping down to avoid overrepresentation.

For more details, refer to the Appointment of Outside Bodies document.

Performance Monitoring Report

The committee reviewed the Q4 Environment Performance Monitoring Report, which was published in the document pack. No specific questions were raised during the meeting.

Climate Leadership Gloucestershire

The committee received an update on the recent Climate Leadership Gloucestershire meeting. Key topics included the local area energy plan led by Forest of Dean District Council and updates on green skills initiatives from the Green Skills Centre and Gloucestershire's universities. The minutes for these meetings are available on the Gloucestershire County Council website.

Walking and Cycling Annual Report

The Walking and Cycling Information Sheet was reviewed, with no questions raised by the committee members.

Work Programme 2024-25

The committee discussed the Work Programme for 2024-25. Members were invited to provide suggestions and feedback either during the meeting or at a later time.

For further details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.