Brimscombe Port Waterside Community Project Advances

A long-term initiative spanning two decades, aimed at establishing a new waterside residential area, has advanced significantly. The strategy and resources committee of Stroud District Council (SDC) advised allocating approximately £630,000 for the acquisition of commercial properties at the Brimscombe Port location, a development that is also set to feature 150 residences. St Modwen Homes, the developers, are scheduled to conduct a public consultation on 12 December, with a planning application expected to be submitted in spring 2025. Catherine Braun, the council leader, expressed that she is “very happy” that they “are close to completing the final development agreement”. The forthcoming planning application is projected to encompass residences designed for low carbon emissions, along with cafes, communal amenities, commercial areas, and a redeveloped canal basin. Approximately 30% of the forthcoming residences will be designated as affordable council housing, available for both rental and shared ownership schemes. Initial proposals for Brimscombe Port underwent consultation in 2022, and SDC stated that St Modwen Homes had been “taking on board that feedback”. Ms Braun noted that the council has been engaged in the redevelopment of the site since 2004. She commented: “Community engagement is key to the success of this project and I am delighted that there is so much interest in this next phase of work.” SDC has provided £2.6 million towards the initiative at the former canal port. Additionally, government funding amounting to £2.7 million has been extended through a loan from Homes England and a grant from the One Public Estate Programme, to guarantee the site’s feasibility for development. The council’s cabinet is now required to sanction the £630,000 investment allocated for the commercial areas. The public consultation scheduled for 12 December will be held at Stroud Brewery and Taproom.