The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Gloucester City Council met on Monday 5 October 2026 to discuss the Gloucester City Masterplan, the council's financial monitoring, and the annual report of the committee. The committee also received an update on the sale of Gloucestershire Airport and considered a report on bringing parking enforcement services in-house.

Gloucester City Masterplan

The committee received a verbal update on the Gloucester City Masterplan, a long-term vision and framework designed to guide investment, regeneration, and development in a coordinated manner. Andrew Hearne, Director of Place, Assets & Regeneration, presented the plan, emphasizing its role in directing Gloucester's growth over the next 25 years. He highlighted that the masterplan builds on the city's strengths and capitalizes on opportunities, providing a shared direction for residents, businesses, developers, and partners. It aims to support future investment and planning decisions by providing supplementary guidance rather than replacing existing planning policy.

During the discussion, councillors raised several points regarding the masterplan's proposals. Councillor Howard Hyman expressed concerns about the removal of surface parking at Lady Belgate Street and the potential loss of parking at Longsmith Street car park if redeveloped for housing. Mr. Hearne clarified that the council has no ownership or influence over the Lady Belgate Street car park and that Longsmith Street car park is nearing the end of its lifespan, with redevelopment for housing being a possibility that could fund heritage-led regeneration in the surrounding area.

Councillor Anne Radley inquired about the potential for utilizing waterways, such as water buses, to enhance connectivity, particularly towards Quedgeley. Mr. Hearne acknowledged that water buses had been discussed and expressed interest in exploring this further as part of the green and blue network.

The concept of a railway ecological corridor was also discussed, with Mr. Hearne explaining it as a strategy to enhance biodiversity and strengthen habitat connections alongside the railway lines. Councillor Alwin Wiederhold noted that residents were disappointed by the lack of progress on previous aspirations for a linear park along the railway and how this masterplan could help address those missed opportunities.

Concerns were raised about the long-term maintenance and protection of urban green spaces. Mr. Hearne acknowledged the challenges of maintaining green spaces and suggested a multi-faceted approach involving council responsibility, Section 106 contributions from developers, and private partnerships. He emphasized that green corridors could involve small mitigation initiatives rather than large-scale tree planting.

Active travel was another key topic, with Councillor Terry Pullen advocating for a stronger integration with the county council's plans and a reduction in city centre car parking to encourage walking and cycling. Mr. Hearne agreed that more cycle provision was needed and that the masterplan aims to create a footprint for the city to evolve in response to the climate emergency and promote healthier lifestyles.

The challenge of attracting businesses to the city centre was a significant point of discussion. Mr. Hearne identified disparate ownership of retail spaces and a lack of a unified leasing strategy as major hurdles. He suggested that attracting developers to build housing, thereby increasing city centre density, would naturally lead to more people shopping locally. He also highlighted the need to leverage Gloucester's heritage and unique brand, suggesting that active leisure and cultural attractions, such as the upcoming Greyfriars development, could become significant draws.

Councillor Louise Walker raised the issue of repurposing existing ex-retail and leisure spaces for housing, noting that privately owned buildings often follow market trends. Mr. Hearne explained that the masterplan focuses on areas where the council has ownership or influence, acknowledging the difficulty in making such developments financially viable.

Councillor Terry Pullen sought further detail on the Lower Eastgate Street opportunity area, which is identified as a vibrant destination for businesses and visitors. Mr. Hearne described it as a street needing complete reconditioning, with potential for a renewed public realm scheme, heritage building refurbishment, and an enhanced food and drink offer. He acknowledged the challenges of private ownership but expressed belief in the potential for transformation through collaboration.

The Bristol Road corridor was raised as a significant brownfield site with potential for mixed-use development, predominantly housing. Mr. Hearne confirmed it was considered in the early stages but was not included in the final plan due to a lack of demonstrable council influence or ownership, emphasizing the plan's focus on deliverable projects.

Councillor Angela Conder raised concerns about the suitability of purpose-built student accommodation, the compatibility of nighttime economy venues with residential areas, and the potential for opening up scheduled monuments to enhance the city's historical appeal. Mr. Hearne agreed with the need to celebrate the city's heritage and explore opportunities to make monuments more accessible attractions.

Councillor Liam Harries inquired about the plan's support for smaller local centres, such as Quedgeley and Abbeydale, and how it aimed to create connected hubs. Mr. Hearne explained that the masterplan aims to connect the outer city to the inner city, not just to improve the city centre but to attract investment and support local businesses across the entire city.

Councillor Anne Radley sought clarity on how the masterplan integrates with other council plans, such as the Corporate Plan and the Local Plan, and how it aligns with county council initiatives like the cycle spine. Mr. Hearne explained that the masterplan acts as a supporting document, endorsed by full council, to shape development and investment strategies, and that it has been coordinated with the Local Plan team to ensure alignment.

Mr. Hearne also provided details on the masterplan's development, noting it was a collaborative effort involving external consultants, Prior and Partners, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. He confirmed that benchmarking against cities like Cheltenham, Bristol, and York had been undertaken to assess Gloucester's comparative position. The plan also considers health inequalities, with a focus on how access to green spaces and nature can positively impact public health.

Regarding parking, Mr. Hearne stated that the masterplan anticipates increased urban density, which will necessitate a review of existing parking provisions. He clarified that the plan itself does not dictate the number of parking spaces but provides a framework for future decisions.

Councillor Stephanie Chambers highlighted the importance of safety in the city centre, suggesting improved lighting schemes and a mixed nighttime economy. Mr. Hearne agreed that lighting was critical and that plans were being developed for specific areas, emphasizing the need to address public perception of safety. He also supported the idea of diversifying the nighttime economy beyond traditional vertical drinking establishments.

The potential for a joint police and BID presence in an empty retail unit was discussed, with Mr. Hearne acknowledging the community benefits but also the commercial implications for the council's asset management strategy. He agreed to take the idea forward for further conversation.

Councillor Karen James stressed the importance of affordable and social housing within any new developments, a point Mr. Hearne acknowledged as a key discussion point, balancing viability with the need for social housing. He explained the complexities of land values in Gloucester and the challenges in attracting developers to build social housing.

Councillor Anne Radley raised the importance of environmental sustainability within the masterplan, suggesting innovative energy solutions. Mr. Hearne agreed on the need for small steps and to plug into existing groups working on these issues.

Gloucestershire Airport Update

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Leader of the Council, provided an update on the sale of Gloucestershire Airport. He reported that the airport had been put back on the market in July, with several enquiries received and multiple potential buyers signing non-disclosure agreements to access the data room. A sale was expected by the end of the financial year, though no assurances could be given. He also noted that improvements to the airport's financial stability were being made, with a shareholder meeting scheduled for October.

Councillor Stephanie Chambers raised concerns about the airport's weekly loss of £300,000 and questioned the timing of updates and loan repayments. Councillor Hilton was unable to provide details on loan repayments but stated that quarterly updates were appropriate. Councillor Chambers also questioned the decision to sell the airport for aviation purposes rather than considering housing development, but Councillor Hilton explained that long-term aviation contracts and the cost of buying them out made this option unviable.

The committee was informed that the data room provided comprehensive information to prospective buyers after signing a non-disclosure agreement. Councillor Anne Radley sought clarity on why keeping the airport operational was considered the best option for long-term economic stability, with Councillor Hilton emphasizing the hundreds of highly skilled jobs that would be lost if the airport ceased to operate. Councillor Terry Pullen queried the decision not to conduct a full economic impact review, which Councillor Hilton deemed unnecessary due to an adequate understanding of the economic impact and alignment with Cheltenham Borough Council's views.

The Head of Finance and Resources confirmed that no loan or interest payments had been made by the airport to Gloucester City Council since 2022. Councillor Karen James questioned the rationale behind the five-year operational term of sale, with the Director of Place, Assets & Regeneration explaining it was a measure to offer continuity while remaining attractive to the market. Cheltenham Borough Council remained supportive of the current plans.

The Chair, Councillor Andrew Gravells MBE, inquired about the level of interest received compared to the previous sale attempt, with Councillor Hilton stating figures could not be provided until the bid deadline. The Director of Place, Assets & Regeneration reassured the committee that officers were working diligently to ensure the best chance of delivery. The Head of Finance and Resources confirmed she was working with the airport's management team on rebuilding its finances. Councillor Conder questioned the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's position on the lack of repayments, with Councillor Hilton assuring they were aware of the situation. Councillor Stephanie Chambers expressed concern about the protection of public money, and Councillor Hilton responded that the sale proceeds were crucial for financial recovery, with other assets also being progressed. The Director of Place, Assets & Regeneration assured that the sale price would be sufficient to clear the airport's debts.

Financial Monitoring Quarter 1 Report

Councillor Declan Wilson, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report, noting it was the first time it had been published by the deadline since the 2021 cyber-attack. He highlighted that new budget monitoring processes had been introduced, allowing for proactive decision-making. Key issues for Q1 included parking, commercial property, cemeteries, and the crematorium.

Councillor Terry Pullen sought clarification on the phrase more accurate profiling on spend regarding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) contributions. The Head of Finance and Resources explained this referred to an increased understanding of expenditure timing, which had revealed previously unknown overspends in parking and the crematorium, allowing for proactive mitigation. Interest rates were identified as a vulnerability due to borrowing.

Councillor Pullen also queried the service charge to QPark for the Forum car park and its low usage. Councillor Wilson acknowledged inadequate signage as a factor and stated it was being rectified. Regarding Eastgate Market, Councillor Wilson informed that a streamlined vendor agreement was now in place, and the imminent move to a new market location was expected to bring long-term improvements.

Councillor Alwin Wiederhold requested specifics on crematorium issues, which Councillor Wilson attributed to age-related problems with cremators nearing the end of their lifespan. Mitigation plans were under discussion, and Councillor Wilson assured that communication with neighbouring crematoriums would be confirmed.

Councillor Karen James inquired about a £23,000 pension cost pressure, clarified as employer superannuation contributions. She also asked about the £112,000 overspend in 'Culture & Leisure,' with the Head of Finance and Resources confirming a significant portion was related to Freedom Leisure due to delayed renovations, with costs split equally.

Councillor Anne Radley questioned the significant short-term borrowing, which Councillor Wilson explained was a better strategy than long-term borrowing at current interest rates. The effectiveness of the new budget management process was confirmed, with increased awareness and confidence in forward balances. Councillor Radley also inquired about the environmental impact of the new crematorium, with Councillor Wilson assuring it would be more environmentally friendly.

Councillor Louise Walker asked about future LGR cost incurments, with Councillor Wilson stating there would be a short-term hit but benefits would be seen next year. Councillor Conder inquired about the car boot sale, with the Financial Services Manager confirming its figures were included in the 'Markets & Street Trading' line. Councillor Hyman asked about the sale of surplus properties, which Councillor Wilson stated would be discussed at the upcoming Recovery Board meeting.

Councillor Stephanie Chambers queried the over-budget forecast for parking income, with the Head of Finance and Resources clarifying that previous budgeting had not included parking as a key risk area, masking the overspend. Zero-based budgeting for car parks was being implemented to mitigate costs. Councillor Chambers also asked how statutory services would remain a priority, with Councillor Wilson assuring that spending would not be reduced to meet targets and that homelessness remained a priority.

Annual Report of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee 2025-26

Councillor Andrew Gravells MBE, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, presented the annual report, outlining the committee's work, recommendations, highlights, and priorities for the coming year. Councillor Terry Pullen noted the committee's busyness and referenced a CIPFA report suggesting Cabinet was not always receptive to scrutiny recommendations. Councillor Gravells stated he had requested a special meeting to analyze this report and believed Overview and Scrutiny should be held in parity of esteem with Cabinet. Both Councillor Gravells and Councillor Pullen emphasized the importance of receiving reports in advance of meetings. Councillor Anne Radley stressed the committee's role in working for the public good and the need for timely reports. Councillor Alwin Wiederhold noted the report's highlight of low attendance by some members and called for improvement.

Bringing Parking Enforcement Services In-House Through TUPE Transfer

Councillor Wilson presented a report on the next steps for managing parking operations, with options including bringing management in-house, continuing with the existing operator, or seeking alternative operators. He stated that the current contract had been extended while these options were considered, and that the current arrangement was not providing best value for money. Councillor Radley inquired about knowledge continuity if services were brought in-house, with Councillor Wilson explaining the intention to retain existing staff under TUPE transfer. He added that bringing operations in-house would be a logical decision with the potential realization of LGR. Councillor Wilson confirmed that preventative thinking and management would be taken into account. Councillor Hyman noted that not all car parks were welcoming and that facilities should be considered.

The meeting also included discussions on the Gloucester City Masterplan, with councillors raising points about parking, waterways, ecological corridors, urban greening, active travel, city centre retail, housing development, and the preservation of heritage. The committee also received updates on the sale of Gloucestershire Airport, financial monitoring, and the committee's annual report. The decision to bring parking enforcement services in-house through a TUPE transfer was also discussed.