Stinchcombe Parish Council Meeting

2nd September 2025

I attended Stinchcombe Parish Council meeting Tuesday night last week along with GCC/SDC Cllr Cohen. Here are my personal notes.

Sadly, due to holidays and an unexpected apology the council was not quorate so only informal discussions were had, no decisions could be taken. One member of the public had taken time out to speak to the council.

Cllr. Cohen gave a quick overview of her County Council report. Back to school and road safety. Highways are on top of works generally. The road around the church has been filled. Community grant scheme similar to build back better to launch in October. Cycle for September, talked about bike hire scheme, people gaining confidence. Govt. initiative to encourage employers to employ younger people to do Saturday work.

I gave an brief summary of the SDC Councillors' Report. The target date for the Tait's Hill planning application is the end of September. SDC has decided that their preferred choice for whichever unitary that's chosen is that it becomes part of WECA. The overriding feeling was that Stroud District naturally connects with Bristol, the south west and Wales.

Planning application S.25/1284/FUL (Erection of an agricultural storage barn, and retrospective consent for mobile field shelter and site groundworks)was discussed at some length. A member of the public saw that the parish hadn't provided response and wanted to say that the site is opposite Stancombe Park which is a Grade I listed park and gardens. Various concerns were voiced including that structures are sometimes built without consent and then used to manipulate the planning system. The concerns were well presented and noted.

There was discussion about the official opening of the new Playground which happened last Sunday (the 7th). The weather en-route to Stinchcombe was atrocious. We ran to the church which was bustling with people. Lots of children and teddy bears. A lovely blessing/service followed. The clouds parted and the sun came out, so we were able to go to thee playground after all. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony we all made our way back to the church for cream teas and to witness the brave teddies abseiling!

There's some background to Playground scheme here. An amazing community effort by all involved!