DEVELOPMENT of a new waterside community in Stroud’s Golden Valley is set to take a significant step forward this week.

A key agreement between Brimscombe Port landowner Stroud District Council and St Modwen Homes is ready to be approved.

The heads of terms for the development agreement could be given the green light by SDC’s Strategy and Resources Committee on Thursday, November 21.

The committee is also being asked to approve investing a further £630,000 in the site by buying and letting new commercial units which would form part of the development alongside around 150 homes.

A planning application is anticipated to be in spring next year, and that will be preceded by public consultation – details of this are due to be announced shortly.

The council has already contributed £2.6 million to the project at the former canal port, and the project has been part-funded by HM Government through the Brownfield Land Release Fund.

A total of £2.776million has been loaned by Homes England, and granted by the Brownfield Land Release Fund to help make the former industrial site viable for development.

It is allocated in the SDC Local Plan for 150 dwellings, canal-related tourism development and employment uses.

Committee Chair and Council Leader, Catherine Braun, said: “One of our key priorities in the Council Plan is the redevelopment of Brimscombe Port.

“We will consider these proposals very carefully.”

The committee will consider a report which seeks approval to buy commercial units to be developed at Brimscombe Port, and approval for the final heads of terms for the development agreement with St Modwen Homes.

The committee is also being asked to recommend to council that a budget of £630,000 is added to the council’s Capital Programme for the acquisition of the commercial units.

Deputy council leader Pete Kennedy said: “Acquiring the commercial space would allow the Council to attract businesses that will contribute towards our vision for Brimscombe Port’s distinctive character.

"We want to create an attractive destination for both local people and visitors, and wildlife, in a memorable place rooted in the Golden Valley's industrial history, and centred around the restored canal basin.”

To keep up-to-date with developments on this site, sign up to our dedicated mailing list: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/projects/our-vision-for-brimscombe-port/brimscombe-port-mailing-list/

To find out more about the development, please read a Frequently Asked Questions section on our website: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/projects/our-vision-for-brimscombe-port/brimscombe-port-faqs/

Members of the public are welcome to observe the meeting in person at Ebley Mill from 7pm, or watch it on the Council’s YouTube channel, live or recorded.