STROUD residents have been invited to hear both sides of the debate on the issue of the proposed Eco Park development at public meeting later this week.

Pros and cons of the £100million sports and green technology centre earmarked for construction near Eastington will come under fierce scrutiny by a panel of speakers.

This panel, made up of former MPs to councillors and professors will examine the question: Is the proposed EcoPark a ‘centre of excellence for sport and green business’ or just another out-of-town business park off the motorway?

It is likely to be a very lively debate on the most significant and contentious greenfield development proposal since Gloucester Motorway Services.

The Eco Park development is a massive 100 acre sports and business facility located beside Junction 13 of the M5 near Eastington.

Almost half of Eco would be dedicated to creating state-of-the-arts sporting facilities, much of which will be open to the public, including: a 5,000 capacity stadium for Forest Green.

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While the other half will comprise a green technology business park with sustainably built commercial offices and light industrial units potentially capable of hosting up to 4,000 jobs.

A third portion of land will become a nature reserve, while the overall concept also includes a desire to work with the Cotswold Canals Trust in their efforts to open up part of the 'missing mile' of the Stroudwater canal and the potential development of a public transport hub.

While the proposals have gathered support at a recent public consultation, critics have argued it would taint Eastington’s small rural community.

They argue the centre would mean a huge influx of traffic, yet more building on green field sites and ruin on of the ‘gateways’ to Stroud.

Some FGR fans have also questioned the need for such a large stadium and the issue of uprooting the club from its long-term home in Nailsworth.

To address these issues and more, Stroud Civic Society has put together the event creatively named: ‘Ecotricity’s Eastington Eco Park – Greentech or Greenwash?’ Speakers will take a closer look at this proposal, understand what is involved, put forward arguments for and against, and consider any other concerns people may have.

Most notably on the panel is keen supporter of the plans David Drew, former Labour MP for Stroud and current vice chairman of Forest Green Rovers.

He will share a platform with Simon Pickering, Stroud District Councillor (Green), Hugh Barton, emeritus professor in health and sustainability and Stephen Davies, Conservative district councillor for Eastington and Standish.

The event will be held at the Old Town Hall in The Shambles, Stroud at 7.30 pm on Thursday November 26.

Admission: Members £2, Non-members £3

For more information please visit: www.stroudcivicsociety.co.uk/wp/