Stroud Labour has backed a Tricorn House redevelopment plan, proposed by a Stroud student and commended by the Royal Institute of British Architects in a national competition.

The party called on the owner to implement a proposal by Harriet Stride, 24, who is studying at the London School of Architecture, to refit the building with satellite offices made from prefabricated wooden pods.

The ‘eyesore’ near Cainscross roundabout, owned by Millville Limited, a Guernsey registered company, has been derelict for more than 20 years.

“The ideas expressed in this plan are exactly what we want to see happen should there be a redevelopment of this site. At present, it is an eyesore sitting on one of the town’s key locations,” said Labour councillor Tom Williams.

Ms Stride’s design anticipates post-Covid demand for affordable individual offices away from cities, or ‘satellite offices'.

Judges at the Royal Institute of British Architects praised her attitude to thermal performance, engagement with topical problems and for encouraging life within the space.

Attempts to turn the former civil service site into flats, a care home, and penthouse apartments have all failed, as did a Compulsory Purchase Order submitted to the government by Stroud District Council in 2008.

“The important question is why have the owners done nothing?” said Labour councillor Jenny Miles.

She added that the council had granted planning permission and offered dedicated parking to Millville Limited.

Labour’s endorsement comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £4bn ‘levelling up’ fund in his spending review.