A RUNDOWN former garage is set to be given a new lease of life in Stroud 

The plans would see a former car body repair shop near the Co-Op in Slad Road completely refurbished with a bridge crossing Slad Brook leading to a coffee hut alongside a courtyard with seating.

Salt Bakehouse, which sells artisan cakes at the Stroud farmers’ market and in a shop in Union Street in the town centre, submitted plans for a cafe and bakery earlier this month.

A planning application has been submitted to Stroud District Council and the plan includes pallet ovens, a lift, and an events room.

There are currently numerous smashed windows, graffiti, overgrown weeds and peeling paint at the property. 

Although there has been flooding along Slad Road, most recently in 2007 and 2020, the site falls between Flood Zones 2 and 3 and is not in a flood risk zone, according to a Flood Risk Assessment.

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Salt Bakehouse was founded in memory of Rod Salter and is run by his wife Annette and her children Dominic and Anneliese. 

The family business also owns the Sandwich Box in Cheltenham and previously won Baker of the Year 2016 at the Bakery Industry Awards.

Salt also has its own travelling white van stuffed with goodies that regularly pops up at locations across the district including Rodborough, Whitshill, Stonehouse, Painswick, Box and Chetlenham.

Anyone wishing to view or comment on this application should do by email to planning@stroud.gov.uk, or by visiting www.stroud.gov.uk/planning by July 14 quoting reference S.22/1255/FUL.