Stroud News and Journal:

A LONG-FOUGHT battle to create a striking 37-house canal-side development right next to Stroud railway station has finally been given the go-ahead.

Cheltenham-based developer Newland Homes has been given planning permission completely transform the derelict and overgrown storage yard at Bath Place in Cheapside.

The land lies overlooking the regenerated Upper Wallbridge Lock section of the Thames and Severn Canal and is slotted right in-between the Cotswold Canals Trust and the towering orange Hill Paul building.

The landmark scheme includes 33 waterside apartments in a four storey tower block, alongside four town houses and a large pedestrian area.

It also lies perfectly alongside the nearby Canal Trust visitor centre, Upper Lock Café and towpath and will include the renovation of the canal wall.

This will provide opportunities for mooring for up to six canal boats, and finally open up Stroud town centre directly to thousands of visitors from the canal network.

Stroud News and Journal:

Tom Sheppard, associate design director for Newland Homes, said: “We’re pleased to have received full planning permission for our Wallbridge development.

“Over the last two years we have been working closely with Council Officers, the Waterfront Vision, Cotswold Canals Trust and members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group. 

“We will also be renovating the listed Wallbridge warehouse to include work space and an apartment.

“Work is expected to start on site later in the spring and we will deliver a considered and sympathetic development which also preserves a building important to the area’s industrial heritage.

“As the canal is such an important part of the town the scheme will also include renovating the canal wall to provide short term visitor moorings and connections to the town centre. 

“We also recently helped fund dredging work alongside our Bowbridge Wharf development, enabling more people to enjoy this section and we look forward to helping make the canal at Cheapside more accessible to the public too.”

Negotiations are also underway to rename the area Stroud Town Wharf.

Stroud District Council gave the application planning permission on Friday, February 17.

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Clive Field, manager of the popular canal visitor centre, said the Trust was “thrilled” with the decision, and described it as a key piece of the puzzle in its long term regeneration plans.

“This is a wonderful development for Stroud and for the Trust, we’re thrilled,” he told the SNJ.

“For the first time people will be able to moor up for the night and easily visit the town. This development really opens up canal network up to Stroud.

“It will bring huge benefits to the area in tourism. When people on holiday nip to the shop for a pint of milk and a loaf of bread they’ll stop and be able to spend some time in our shops and cafes.

“In the future we also hope to run our boat tours down the canal east to Bowbridge and west to Stonehouse. Hopefully it’ll encourage even more people to nip into our visitor centre as well.

“Everyone at the Trust is very pleased this finally go the green light.

“I must also add that this won’t be permanent place for people to moor up their boats, it’ll only be for 24 hour visiting.”

Newland has also included plans for a pedestrian walkway from the development to Wallbridge, allowing access from train, car, cycle, foot or boat.

It has been given permission subject to finalising an associated legal agreement securing contributions towards Stroud canal improvements to be carried out by the Cotswold Canal Trust and funds towards Rodborough Common nature conservation.

Jeremy Drew, Newland Homes’ design director said: “The contemporary design responds very much to its place. Stroud has a rich and unique architectural and social heritage, which our scheme acknowledges by reflecting Stroud’s dynamic and confident approach to the future."

The north of the site backs onto the road from Wallbridge up to the car park at Stroud Train Station near the mini roundabout, while the southern side looks out over the canal.

The car park will have space for 54 cars and access will come from Rowcroft.

To view the plans for yourself visit SDC’s planning website and enter reference S.15/1589/FUL

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

Pictures by Newland Homes. Additional images by Mike Gallagher, CCT