Stroud District Council have just announced a consultation on the development of Brimscombe Port, the former canal basin that has long been filled in and used for light industry. The canal restoration plans envisage the site being re-excavated and becoming a attractive mixed use waterside site.
This is an ambitious project with many challenges. SDC’s published statement so far says (dates emphasised in bold):
Local residents are invited to give their views on the proposals prior to a planning application being submitted in the New Year for the necessary infrastructure including the canal basin and new access road and to establish the outline redevelopment proposals.
The project is particularly challenging as it involves engineering a new canal basin, river crossing, culverts and new roads.
Residents will have the chance to speak to the development’s engineer, architect, and council officers at the event between 3- 6.30pm on Thursday 13 December, in the West Suite of the listed Port Mill building in the centre of the port. The plans will also be available to be viewed during open times at The Ship Inn, Brimscombe until 20 December.
Brimscombe Port is a former inland port dating back to the 1780s which became redundant after the era of the canals as a mode of transport came to an end. It was filled in during the 1960s and developed as an industrial site, and was earmarked as in need of significant regeneration by Stroud District Council.
Due to the high infrastructure costs, the scheme requires public funding. The council was successful in securing £2m from Homes England in 2015 which kickstarted work to bring the development forward. This has now been match funded by Stroud District Council. Together, these contributions will enable the council to select a developer partner to create a unique waterside attraction.
SDC have given very little notice of this and this display period is not long – but there will also be a paper consultation available from www.stroud.gov.uk/brimscombeportfeedback from 13th December onwards. It is not yet clear when the consultation finishes so if you have views it may be best to make them known as soon as possible.
Further background information is available at https://www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/brimscombe-port