The Strategy and Resources Committee of Stroud Council met on Thursday 21 November 2024 to discuss a range of significant items, including a proposed development agreement for Brimscombe Port and an update on the future use of the Canalside Site A419 in Stonehouse. The committee also reviewed performance monitoring reports, updates on the Market Towns Vitality Fund and Community Wealth Building initiatives, and the council's work programme.

Brimscombe Port: Development Agreement

A key item scheduled for discussion was the proposed development agreement for Brimscombe Port. The report pack indicated that the committee was asked to approve the purchase of commercial units to be developed at the port and the final Heads of Terms for the Development Agreement with St Modwen Homes. The intention was to make recommendations to the full Council regarding these matters.

The report detailed that the council's vision for Brimscombe Port is to create a sustainable new residential-led mixed use community that meets the needs of both existing and future residents.¹ The council has previously invested £2.6 million in capital investment for the project and secured an additional £2.776 million in public subsidy. The proposal included acquiring approximately 263 square metres of commercial space for an estimated £630,000. This acquisition was intended to give the council more control over the end occupiers of these units, ensuring the development aligns with the council's vision and creates a destination for local residents and visitors. The report also outlined amendments to the Development Agreement Heads of Terms, including shifts in milestones and long stop dates due to economic conditions.

Canalside Site A419 Stonehouse Update Report

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on the progress to develop a business plan for the future use of the Canalside Site A419 in Stonehouse. The report indicated that the committee would be asked to note the progress made and the proposed revised timeline for developing the business plan, with a request for a final report to be brought back in Spring 2026.

The report highlighted that community consultation had identified aspirations for the site, including it being a community space that is not heavily built up and prioritises environmental sustainability and social value. New legislation, specifically Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements, and the identification of the site as having a Key Wildlife Site (KWS) on its southern border were noted as development constraints. These factors, along with delays in accessing the site due to ecological surveys, had impacted the original timeline. The report also discussed opportunities to align the site's development with the wider Cotswold Canal Connected (CCC) project.

Member / Officer Reports

The committee was scheduled to receive several updates:

• Performance Management: A report on performance monitoring for Quarter 2 of 2024/25 was to be presented. This included updates on various Council Plan actions, such as improving customer service through a digital platform, re-engineering processes, and partnership working with Town and Parish Councils. The report also detailed progress on initiatives related to economic development, skills training, and carbon reduction projects.
• Canal Update: An update on the Cotswold Canals Connected (CCC) Project Board was scheduled. The report indicated that Phase 1B of the project was working to a revised programme, with the engineering focus on restoring the canal between Stonehouse and Eastington. Work at John Robison Lock had been halted pending a lease renewal with Ecotricity. Plans for the Bonds Mill lift bridge were being finalised, and construction was aimed to start before Christmas. The report also detailed progress on the Missing Mile and the redesign of the M5 crossing, as well as environmental programmes at Fromebridge Nature Reserve and community engagement efforts in the Stonehouse area.
• Market Towns Vitality Fund Update: This update was to inform members about decisions made regarding the allocation of funds from the Market Towns Vitality Fund. The fund, established with £150,000, aims to support locally-led initiatives to promote the vitality of high streets across the district's nine market towns. The report listed specific projects that had received funding, including Christmas lights in Berkeley and Cam, improvements to Dursley's Christmas light display, and the creation of a Nailsworth Textile Trail. A sum of £55,082 remained unallocated and would be rolled forward to support high street vitality initiatives.
• Community Wealth Building Update: This briefing note was to update members on progress with Community Wealth Building (CWB), a people-centred approach to economic development. The committee had previously resolved to implement recommendations from a report by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES). The update indicated that an Officer Working Group had been formed, and the first of four quarterly workshops facilitated by CLES was to be held. The draft new Council Plan was noted to include a strong commitment to CWB.

Work Programme

Finally, the committee was scheduled to consider its work programme, outlining future matters to be discussed at upcoming meetings, including the Capital Strategy, budget monitoring reports, and updates on various regeneration and economic development initiatives.