Views Rob Colley Issued each Spring and Autumn. For the latest information see our website www.cpreglos.org.uk CPRE President Charles Martell AUTUMN The Countryside Charity: 2019 new vision, new energy, new impact ... In this issue ... his is an exciting and AONBs from the inroads WELCOME TO OUR time for CPRE. Both Professor Patricia of development, there is 2NEW DIRECTOR! an exciting time Broadfoot CBE an urgent need for CPRE to Meet Louise for CPRE nationally Branch Chair up its game. We must gain Tand an exciting time for new members, supporters Williams CPRE Gloucestershire. what people care about in and many more volunteers; Nationally, we are on the relation to the countryside people who understand ASH DIEBACK threshold of what may be and what they will support, the importance of the Now a major the most significant change that underpins the new countryside to rural life and 4 for CPRE in decades. We strategy and brand. I our environment. concern in have a new strategy and a have been involved with But if the impact of large Gloucestershire new exciting brand. We are this process as a national scale, often inappropriate now CPRE ‘The Countryside ‘strategy champion’ and housing developments, new Charity’ as illustrated in will continue to be closely roads and environmental Community-led this newsletter. involved in bringing the degradation was not enough 6housing This is not a change that strategy to life as a newly- for us to be concerned Can local residents has happened overnight. elected member of the about, there is also the The process to get to National CPRE Board. unprecedented threat to our afford to stay in this outcome has been Never has the role of CPRE countryside of the climate the area? lengthy, with consultation been more important. With crisis. CPRE will be playing of CPRE members across the intense and potentially a key part, locally and t

SEVENTY YEARS OF the national network of excessive pressure for nationally, in highlighting  charities, every step of new housing

9SUCCESS the way. It has taken frequently The importance of several years of hard work prioritised over the unprecedented “ the 1949 Act on our to generate the evidence, the preservation those vital insights about of our Green Belt threat to our countryside countryside “of the climate crisis Ashcurch 10expansion The proposed A46 upgrade

THE GLOVER 11REPORT Future directions for our National Parks and AONBs

The latest news 12 from around the districts Patricia Broadfoot COVER STORY Continued: t the impact such changes are clear that people need beautiful countryside. shape and deliver our future likely to have on farming and the countryside for their CPRE Gloucestershire priorities for protecting and rural life. We will be lobbying mental health. There is will be working hard this enhancing our beautiful for urgent Government action growing recognition that the autumn on revising our own Gloucestershire countryside. to address this hydra and all countryside has a key role strategic plan in line with Thank you for being its many heads, particularly to play in providing access the new national vision and a member of CPRE changes in the weather and to beauty and recreation I look forward to sharing the Gloucestershire. Your the loss of biodiversity. for urban and rural dwellers outcome of these support is incredibly Gloucestershire CPRE is alike. For this reason, there discussions with you all valuable to us. Please let fully behind the new national is growing support for our in the next newsletter. us have your views and strategy. We are looking cause of protecting our very Meanwhile, we are delighted suggestions at any time. forward to raising our public special rural environment to be welcoming our new And please do sign up for our profile across the County; from unnecessary, and all staff team - our Director, e-newsletter so that we can attracting enthusiastic new too often, inappropriate, Louise Williams, and our keep you up to date with the volunteers and working development. We need the Project and Marketing exciting new developments with partner organisations right homes in the right Consultant, Ashley Smith. at CPRE Gloucestershire. Our to fight for what matters in places, not amorphous Together with our trustees Contact details are on the our rural way of life. We are housing estates driven by and our amazing committee website. moving into a time when it the desire to make money members across our Districts, Meanwhile, watch this is becoming increasingly at the expense of our they will be helping us to space!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW DIRECTOR!

irstly, hello to all members – my name is Louise Williams and I bring with me around fifteen years FI have been newly appointed as experience of working in the third your Director for CPRE Gloucestershire. sector in Gloucestershire. I started I have lived in Gloucestershire all my out working for a young people’s life, attending school at King’s and homelessness charity, arriving from then Pates Grammar. I grew up in rural the financial services sector I wanted areas of the county, but in my adult to do something more meaningful. life I have lived in and From there I have worked in various more recently in , although I roles from front line service delivery to am currently in the process of moving strategic development and leadership in to the . I got married areas such as drug and alcohol related in 2015 to Tim, who is a plumber by problems, childhood bereavement, trade and we had our little boy, Samuel mental health and more recently George, in October 2018. violence against women and girls. Our Director - Louise Williams I arrive at CPRE at a time of positive You may wonder what all this has in change with a new chapter in its common with a charity concerned with long history of campaining for our the countryside? Each area I have I have been in post only a couple countryside. With a new CEO at the worked in, I have been championing of weeks but I am already impressed helm of our national office there has a cause I believe strongly in. I have at the amount of knowledge and been an overhaul of our branding and worked hard to achieve positive expertise that sit around the table. logo, plus a challenging yet forward outcomes, I have worked hard and I am fortunate that I can learn from thinking strategic plan to see us to advocated for those that have no voice, those that support CPRE and I am 2026. Not to mention the current, and I always strive for excellence in already in debt to all who volunteer overdue and much needed emphasis on the work I perform and that of my tirelessly and go above and beyond, our environment, CPRE Gloucestershire colleagues. without whom I wouldn’t have such a has much to do by way of achieving My particular skills and strengths lie strong foundation to work from. the aims of the Strategic Plan, but with in operational and people management; I look forward to updating you in the the combined expertise, knowledge bid writing; stategic development and Spring of 2020 but in the meantime and passion from all of its collective oversight; and getting the job done. I please do ring, call in or email me

members I have no doubt that we can am full of energy and drive and will be with any information, news, tips or

achieve all that we strive for. using all of those skills to take CPRE just to put a face to a name. I have a Gloucestershire to a new platform: lot of learning to do and I can only do “ more members, more volunteers, that with your help. I have been increased profile, programmes and Enjoy all that nature has to offer in championing a cause projects to include raising awareness its most colourful season. I “believe strongly in and recruiting new members and participants in activities across the Louise Williams county. Director, CPRE Gloucestershire

2 CPRE Gloucestershire views Autumn 2019 2019 AGM CPRE NEEDS TO ENGAGE A WIDER AND YOUNGER AUDIENCE David Bayne

Rendcomb College Rendcomb College

round 85 members and their Patricia Broadfoot reported on the wide principle; the Trustees have now started guests turned out for CPRE range of activities and achievements investigating in detail all the details AGloucestershire’s Annual General of CPRE Gloucestershire over the past that making the change will entail. Meeting, held this year at Rendcomb year. A keynote among these had In her keynote address Emma College on 30th May, and to hear CPRE been an alternative environmentally Bridgewater said how impressed National President, Emma Bridgewater. sensitive vision for Gloucestershire she was by the clarity of vision, the Beforehand they were able to wander to challenge the economically- passion and the energy of CPRE which the handsome College grounds, driven approach advocated by addressed challenges in a practical appreciate the impressive views of the ‘Gloucestershire 2050’. More detail is and business-like way. But, while the Churn valley and admire the delightful available in the branch Annual Review organisation had at its heart a simple adjacent Rendcomb parish church. for 2018 which was sent to members in mission, it was failing to get this across The meeting itself was held in the April. to a wider audience – in particular to state-of-the-art Griffin Theatre where The Branch President, Vice-Presidents, a younger age-group which shared its Branch President Charles Martell Chair and other Officers were all re- views. The forthcoming rebranding of welcomed everyone and especially elected unopposed while Colin Evers the organisation would be a major step CPRE National President Emma was elected as a Trustee in place of forward in getting all a CPRE to deliver Bridgewater CBE. Before the AGM Charlie Watson who was standing down a common message of protecting the business, Emma Balfrey, the current after many years’ service including as countryside to a wider and willing Head Girl of the College, gave a moving a previous Chair. audience. In taking this forward, personal account of her experiences An important item of business was a branches like CPRE Gloucestershire had at the school, stressing the wide range proposal by the Branch Trustees that a key role to play. of opportunities it afforded. The CPRE Gloucestershire should change We are most grateful to members MP for the , Sir Geoffrey from being a simple unincorporated who supported this important annual Clifton Brown then spoke briefly of his charity to become a Charitable event and to all those who organised support for CPRE, dwelling especially Incorporated Organisation (CIO), a and contributed to it. A special thanks on the importance of achieving an status supported by National CPRE. goes to Rendcomb College for making environmentally-acceptable solution to The benefits, and likely costs, of available its excellent facilities and for the A417 ‘missing link’. making this change were discussed. laying on a delicious tea to round off In her Chair’s Report, Professor The meeting approved the change in the meeting.

Autumn 2019 CPRE Gloucestershire views 3 Trees in this condition in Gloucestershire have become increasingly evident in the past 12 months Richard Lloyd

ASH DIEBACK Now a major concern in Gloucestershire Richard Lloyd

or the spring 2013 issue of disease. It was first identified in the UK nesting and roost sites, and for small Gloucestershire Views I wrote an in 2012 and is now spreading rapidly mammals. Farticle about ash dieback. The first across the country. There is no cure In Gloucestershire, ash is a particular paragraph ended “If the worst fears for the disease and in coming years feature of the Cotswolds landscape and about this disease are realised it could it is expected to kill most of the ash is also frequent in the Severn Vale. be very bad news for Gloucestershire’s trees in the UK. Given that ash is the Young trees succumb to the disease landscape.” Six years on and signs third commonest tree in the UK both quickly. Older trees die back (hence the of ask dieback are becoming widely in woodland and outside woods in name) and may survive for some years evident and it is full extent is likely to hedgerows, on roadsides, in parkland but are likely to be lost eventually. be extremely damaging. and in gardens, the landscape in many Such trees are a safety hazard and will This article summarises the current areas will be changed for ever. There will have to be felled where adjacent to position and reports on action also be serious implications for wildlife roads and rights of way. There is hope beginning to get underway in our with ash an important habitat and food that some ash, perhaps 5%, will show county to mitigate the impact of the for many insect species, some specific some genetic resistance to the disease disease. to ash, for bats which use ash trees for and can provide the basis for recovery in Ash dieback is a deadly fungal foraging and hibernation, for birds as the ash population long term.

4 CPRE Gloucestershire views Autumn 2019 A Gloucestershire response n raise awareness with farmers, enhancement projects. These projects landowners and other tree owners will feature as an element of the new The Forestry Commission is providing how ash dieback should be managed CPRE national Strategy 2020 – 2026. A practical advice to anyone with in a responsible and timely manner submission has been made for a project responsibility for the management of including when intervention is focussing on ash dieback building on ash in woodland. essential the previous successful Gloucestershire The Cotswolds Conservation Board pilot project “Planting Successors for has taken the initiative to convene a n coordinate the planting of successor Iconic Trees” which was run by our partnership of organisations to offer trees to replace ash, principally South Cotswolds and District advice and help to address ash dieback outside woodlands, ideally before group and featured in the spring in areas outside woodland. Members trees are lost. 2018 issue of Gloucestershire Views. include our local authorities, Woodland The main partner is the Cotswolds Trust, National Trust, Gloucestershire n develop a coordinated Conservation Board and the bid, if Wildlife Trust, NFU, FWAG and not least communications approach to successful, will provide £5000 in CPRE Gloucestershire. The partnership manage ash dieback. funding to help kick start the efforts of has come together under the banner the local partnership. The outcome of of the Cotswolds and Vale Ash Dieback In August the Cotswolds Conservation the bid is expected later this autumn. Forum. Its aims are to: Board published an article about ash Fingers crossed that the bid will be dieback in its Newspaper Cotswold Lion successful. n focus principally on trees outside of and on its website. The article invites Proposed replacement tree species to woodlands help from the public with fund raising be planted under the project include to support the work of the partnership oak, beech, lime, field maple and hazel, n raise awareness of ash dieback (public donations may be made), trees which reflect the character of the and its impacts, and coordinate a encourages business sponsorship, and area, and are considered to provide

response at a landscape scale across seeks photographs of ash trees which the best benefits to the landscape and

the Cotswolds AONB and Vale of are notable features in the landscape. wildlife long term. Gloucester The article has also been published on our website. There will be wider “ n promote best practice approaches to promotion later in the year. It is expected to kill mitigate the impacts of ash dieback In May 2019, we received an invitation most Ash trees in the on landscape, biodiversity and from national CPRE to bid for funding to “ people run one of a number of pilot landscape UK

IT ONLY TAKES A LEGACY … to help save countryside

Autumn 2019 CPRE Gloucestershire views 5

COMMUNITY-LED HOUSING Colin McDonald, one of the  Community-Led Housing Enablers for Cotswold and Can local residents afford to live and Forest of Dean District stay in your area? Councils Are enough suitable homes being built for younger people or for those who wish cross the country there is a to downsize? growing movement delivering Community-Led Housing is a real alternative Anew housing to meet the needs of the local communities, homes that to developer-led housing through will be owned or managed by the empowering communities to meet their

community. Community-Led Housing  own housing needs. involves local people playing a leading and lasting role in solving local housing problems, creating affordable homes and stronger communities. The core principles of Such schemes provide good quality Community-Led Housing are: Housing Enablers to help with bringing homes for rent, sale or part-buy which forward community led schemes in are affordable for local people. In rural l The community having meaningful our districts. Chloe Maliphant is the areas this means houses which not involvement in key decisions Community-Led Housing Enabler for only meet identified local needs but throughout the development process District, employed via the GRCC. also fit well with the local character in and beyond A number of organisations, including terms of overall design and finishes. It ours and the CPRE, are working together means that new housing schemes are l The community determining the to bid for Government funding to bring proportionate in size, helping villages way in which they will hold the homes together a county-wide service by to grow organically without losing their in stewardship, including ownership or establishing a Gloucestershire ‘Hub’ intrinsic qualities. management for Community-Led Housing, part of a Councils and Housing Associations planned national network to support have been building small schemes l The benefit to the community being newly emerging community-led geared towards very local needs in clearly defined and legally protected in housing groups. rural areas for many years now, often perpetuity There’s already some successful using exceptional planning permission community-led housing schemes which would not be available for Every Community-Led Housing scheme in Gloucestershire such as the market-led schemes. These so-called starts off with different first steps. Community Land Trust, the ‘rural exceptions sites’ have often Usually local people come together Stroud Harbour Community Mutual involved the local community, usually to identify what type of housing is Homeownership Society and the through a local survey which gathers most needed and determine which Eastington Community Land Trust. the evidence on otherwise unmet need members of the local community aren’t There’s also a rich history of local rural (vital evidence needed to justify the already being catered for in the local exception housing schemes delivered exception permission) and often seeks housing market. This could include by Housing Associations in villages opinions (for and against). providing housing for themselves, such across the County which have been Community-led housing (which can as with cohousing or group self-build, initiated by local communities, often also occur in urban areas) takes this or it could be providing for others in the Parish Council. A community a stage further by directly involving their community such as through a led housing scheme involves a local willing volunteers in more detail, and Community Land Trust. So much choice independent not for profit organisation not just at the pre-planning stage can be confusing, but help is available (such as a Community Land Trust, a but looking at the longer term future for community groups to make sense co-ownership society, a co-operative to ensure that the resultant housing of the various options when deciding or an Almshouse trust), democratically remains a valuable social asset for the what’s right for the group and the type controlled by its members, having a community. of housing they are hoping to provide. lasting role ensuring that the homes are When it comes to Community-Led My job-share partner, Lois Taylor, kept available for local people at a cost Housing, there is no ‘one size fits all’ and I work for the Forest of Dean and they can afford into the future. Having approach. It could be on land owned by Cotswolds District Councils, employed a very local organisation ensures

a Community Land Trust; it could be a via Publica, as Community-Led that the key decisions are made by

housing co-operative or a co-housing scheme; it could be a group self-build scheme; it could be the expansion of The countryside may often appear to offer a peaceful,“ an existing Almshouse trust; it could rustic charm, but for all its picture-postcard appeal be provided in partnership with an “ to the outside world, it’s an increasingly challenging established landlord, such as a Housing Association, or a private land owner …… place to find affordable housing but in all cases, it is housing for local The Village Survival Guide people where the community itself (The Prince’s Countryside Fund; August 2019) remains in the driving seat.

6 CPRE Gloucestershire views Autumn 2019 

Affordable rural housing in Dorset delivered through the Powerstock Community Land Trust Community-Led Dorset County Council Housing is a practical

“ and rewarding Raise free funds for CPRE

alternative and we’re here to give any advice“ Gloucestershire Branch or practical support you with your everyday might need. shopping! the community – from identifying a suitable site, the design process, t’s true, you can raise money for through to how the new homes should Ius and it won’t cost you a penny! be allocated. We have signed up to ‘Give as you Lois, Chloe and I are working with a Live’. This means if you shop online number of communities across our at over 4,000 major retailers, like three districts, most of whom are Amazon or Tesco, or use a reloadable looking at the Community Land Trust in-store card, you can raise money How to give as you buy? for CPRE Gloucestershire every time model. We’re working with groups, 1 Before you buy, go to the Give as you do. It is very simple to sign up. often initiated by the Parish or Town you Live website and sign in Here are the steps: Council, made up of keen, enthusiastic 2 Then search for the store you want people who care about preserving the to use essence of their community and trying 3 Once you have found the store to help others find decent housing How to sign up? you want to shop with, click on 1 Go to www.giveasyoulive.com they can afford. Some of these groups the “Shop and raise” button. You 2 Choose Sign up for free include people with very relevant skills will be redirected to that store and 3 Choose a charity to support or professional experience that can shop as normal 4 Search for our charity come in handy at different stages in 4 The good news is once you have (make sure you type the process; but the important thing is shopped a donation will come to Campaign to Protect Rural that the group has enough energy and us! time – we can help find the professional Gloucestershire Branch) 5 Click on charity details help and technical expertise as and So next time you shop online or 6 Support this charity when it’s needed. In some cases use a reloadable card, 7 And then sign up! they’ve chosen to work with a partner shop to help save our Housing Association, whilst retaining as Gloucestershire countryside. much control as possible over the key decisions.

Autumn 2019 CPRE Gloucestershire views 7 BIODIVERSITY

NET GAIN  

Richard Lloyd

ack in 2014 in the Spring Gloucestershire Views I reported Bthat the then Secretary of State for the Environment, Owen Patterson, was promoting the concept of biodiversity offsetting as a mechanism through which developers would compensate for habitats that are lost to development by creating or improving existing habitats elsewhere. Reaction to the idea was cautious, with fears that “it was a licence to trash nature” and the Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee saying “the assessment Richard Lloyd process ………appears to be little more Gloucester Services on the than a 20 minute box ticking exercise.” address the plethora of environmental M5: designed with the natural Biodiversity Net Gain seeks to go crises we are facing, from declining environment at its heart beyond this approach to enhance local wildlife populations to increased air and national biodiversity. pollution and the climate emergency. In January 2018, the Government Biodiversity net gain is about there will be the option for investment published A Green Future: Our 25 Year delivering measurable improvements in nationally strategic habitats through Plan to Improve the Environment. for biodiversity by creating or a government offering of ‘biodiversity Among the many commitments enhancing habitats in association with units’. was “Embedding an ‘environmental development. The net gain can be Ongoing maintenance will be net gain’ principle for development achieved on-site, off-site or through required to ensure that habitats reach including housing and infrastructure”. a combination of on-site and off-site their required condition and that the The document noted that current measures. Examples include creating 10% gain is achieved. A minimum policy was that the planning system new habitats, enhancing existing maintenance period of 30 years has should provide biodiversity net gains habitats, providing green roofs, green been specified. where possible. The requirement walls, street trees or sustainable All this will place additional burdens would be strengthened and there drainage systems. on already stretched planning would be a consultation on whether authorities. The Government claims it net gain should be mandatory. The The key elements in outline is working to quantify any additional consultation, in December 2018, was burdens as a result of the biodiversity led by Defra. Biodiversity net gain will be applied net gain requirement, and says it The Government response to the across all categories of development will work with local authorities and consultation submissions, published other than for permitted development professional organisations to make sure in July 2019, stated an intention to and small householder applications such that planning teams have access to the include legislation in the forthcoming as extensions, and a number of narrow right training, ecological expertise and Environment Bill to mandate net gains exemptions for the most constrained systems to deliver biodiversity net gain. for biodiversity. At the same time the types of development. This is a complicated and challenging Ministry of Housing, Communities and The legislation will require development new area and there is much preparatory Local Government published updates to to achieve a 10% net gain for work to still to do. National CPRE is its Planning Practice Guidance on the biodiversity, but there will be scope to supportive of the principle but says natural environment. These included plan for more. that many devils lie in the detail. some details on how net gain could be Local planning authorities will be Biodiversity net gain must be linked to delivered. required to produce local nature recovery clear evidence, work to avoid harm in strategies which will include identifying the first place and any compensation/

How is net gain defined? sites where compensatory habitat can gain habitats should be secured

be provided. Where suitable local sites effectively and permanently for the Net gain is defined as an approach to for habitat creation are not available, future. development that aims to leave the “ natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand. aims to leave the natural environment in a It is an umbrella term for both measurably better state than it was beforehand biodiversity net gain and wider “ environmental net gain. It aims to help

8 CPRE Gloucestershire views Autumn 2019

SEVENTY YEARS OF

SUCCESS “

thank heavens it

 David Brooke “ is there

ome of us over the of the inter-war years for production and the quality responsible for nature summer months will wider public access to of the environment. The conservation worked under Shave visited one of our the countryside and the following decades were those a different banner 120 miles nearby National Parks – the importance of ‘preserving’ when the attractiveness away in Peterborough - until Brecon Beacons, perhaps, (the term current at the and enjoyment of the the Natural Environment or Exmoor. Many of us will time) its natural and countryside together with and Rural Communities Act live, work or visit our Areas of historic beauty. Many its wildlife and habitats, at last brought policy and Outstanding Natural Beauty groups spearheaded these became subservient to food institutions together in 2006. (AONBs) in Gloucestershire, movements and none more production. The 1949 Act Seventy years on, our enjoying gentle uplands so than CPRE. could offer only limited help conclusion is a happy one of the Cotswolds, the Campaigning was difficult with the policy guidance - and made happier by the picturesque of the Wye so it perhaps took the waging needed to cope with the findings of the Glover Report Valley or the grandeur of the of war, or at least the need change. that endorses so much of southern parts of the Malvern for a reconstruction of minds, A third flaw is institutional. what the 1949 Act stands Hills. buildings and countryside The 1949 Act divided for. Much amended the 1949 The county’s National afterwards to bring home landscape and wildlife policy Act might be,and with the Nature Reserves (NNRs) too the importance of these (and historic landscape high ground of retrospect we are also the destination ideals. The 1949 Act was policy for that matter) can see inadequacies; but for many who visit and designed to help that process into separate silos at a CPRE nationally and locally volunteer their time at the of national reconciliation, time when most European can take pride in helping its county’s four Reserves in neatly bringing the gap nations were seeing them as gestation and still say ‘thank the Cotswolds and the Wye between the process of land a single policy area. Those heavens it is there’. Valley. These NNRs are vital use change introduced by working for the Countryside at a national level for the the mighty Town and County Commission in John Dower Lewis Silkin MP, Minister of future of our wildlife and Planning Act of 1947, and House, Cheltenham, had Town and Country Planning habitats. the development of a wider to limit their scope to who was responsible for And how many of us, welfare state. landscape conservation piloting the Bill through in recent months, have The perceptive 1949 Act, and public access. Those parliament. used Gloucestershire’s although by now much two long distance paths amended, still remains a – the and bedrock of our environmental the Offa’s Dyke Path? Or thinking and a key to our simply wandered along quality of life. But it is not the hundreds of miles of flawless. waymarked public footpaths, It contains, for instance, comforted by a Definitive a political fudge that led to Map that we have the right to inadequate proposals for do so? (And all of us taking open access to our wilder heed of the Countryside areas. The 1949 Act approach Code). of management agreements We nowadays view all these proved costly and unwieldly fundamental contributions – and a country mile from to our quality of life in an the hopes of the inter-war open, matter of fact way but campaigners (including it is humbling to realise that the mass trespassers on for the generations before Kinder Scout in 1932). It us none were a given. It is took another fifty years and thus especially important to the Countryside and Rights recognise, in its seventieth of Way (CROW) Act 2000 to year, the passing of the provide the open access for National Parks and Access which many had strived. to the Countryside Act on Another fault is 16 December 1949, because understandable in the through that Act all these context of 1940s food things were made possible. shortages, but the 1949 The 1949 Act had a Act failed to predict the venerable preparation, imbalance that was to drawing on separate but appear between the drive complementary movements for increased agricultural

Autumn 2019 CPRE Gloucestershire views 9 ASCHURCH EXPANSION AND

UPGRADING THE A46

David Bayne 

he northern part of progresses, one of the route options Borough is faced with two proposed could well be based on plans and is now a consultant to them on Tinterrelated – but potentially drawn up in 1993 but then shelved for the Midlands Connect plans. We have conflicting – challenges. On the lack of resources. also been discussing the way ahead one hand, the massive expansion of Regardless of the strategic initiative with the Head of Tewkesbury Borough Ashchurch into a ‘Garden Town’ is above, the A46 through Ashchurch Development Services. Tewkesbury seen as a principal way of meeting already needs to be improved if it is are using the government funding to the future housing requirements both to cope with traffic volumes resulting set up a dedicated planning team for of the Borough itself and of the wider from developments already in hand the garden town and thence to draft Joint Core Strategy (JCS) area. On the under the existing JCS. And this more detailed planning and governance other, plans are at an early stage to need will only increase if Ashchurch documents. The next stage is upgrade the A46 both to overcome expands. development of a detailed masterplan local congestion in the Ashchurch area Late last year, in order to cope with for Ashchurch to be completed early in and as part of a region-wide initiative expected future housing demands as 2020. to transform the A46 from the M5 part of the JCS Review, Tewkesbury Clearly a key aspect of future plans northwards into a major strategic route. Borough commissioned a ‘Concept for Ashchurch will be what happens to The proposed A46 strategic upgrade Masterplan’ for a major expansion of the A46, including its junction with the is being led by an industry-led Ashchurch. This Masterplan formed M5. There will be a balance to be struck consortium called ‘Midlands Connect’. the basis of a successful application between its function as a trunk route Their vision is to generate regional to government for modest funding and the way it is used by local traffic. growth and relieve pressure on the M5 – to develop Ashchurch into a ‘Garden CPRE will be continuing to watch M42 – M1 in the Midlands by upgrading Town’. unfolding moves in this area extremely remaining single carriageway sections CPRE has been tracking both these closely and do what it can to influence of the A46 to near motorway standard. initiatives along with the Teddington developments. One of the early sections identified and Alstone A46 Advisory Group to need upgrading – and the only one who are particularly concerned at Joint Core Strategy Review Concept outside the Midland Region – is that the effect that any A46 Masterplan Report between the Teddington roundabout upgrade could have and M5 Junction 9 at Tewkesbury. At on these two villages. present these plans are at an early We have engaged the stage and have yet to be included and services of Gerald Kells funded in ’s Roads who formerly worked for Investment Strategy. But assuming it CPRE Midlands Region

Ashchurch from Oxenton Hill Eddie McLarnon

10 CPRE Gloucestershire views Autumn 2019

 WTPL/ Jane Corey

THE GLOVER REPORT Richard Lloyd

he eagerly awaited final to a consultation and CPRE should be designated as an AONB. report on future directions Gloucestershire made a separate The Forest of Dean was one of the Tfor England’s National submission relating to the future of areas originally recommended for Parks and AONBs was published the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds designation in the reports which on 20th September. The report AONB. CPRE has warmly welcomed led to the 1949 National Parks and titled Landscapes Review and its the report which makes many Access to the Countryside Act and the proposals are the outcome of an recommendations that chime with provisions for AONB designation. independent review commissioned by CPRE’s aspirations for the future of The Review has also recommended the government in May 2018 and led these iconic landscapes. that the Cotswolds AONB should be by an expert panel chaired by Julian considered as a strong candidate for Glover. CPRE Gloucestershire’s Vice- What does this mean for National Park status reflecting the President Dame Fiona Reynolds DBE Gloucestershire? case put forward by the Cotswolds was amongst those to serve on the Conservation Board and supported by panel. We are pleased that the Review has CPRE Gloucestershire. National CPRE made a endorsed the strong case made over We now await the government’s comprehensive submission many years that the Forest of Dean response.

Autumn 2019 CPRE Gloucestershire views 11 NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICTS

Tetbury and South Cotswolds The main event since the last “ Nicholas Dummett, Chairman newsletter has been the merger of the Tetbury“ and South Cotswold Districts

he main event since merger. Sir Henry Elwes it has started work. The by bringing together the last newsletter then gave us an utterly rationale for the merger the administrative Thas been the merger absorbing and charming is fundamentally that functions and our events of the Tetbury and South tour of the arboretum there is a strong overlap programmes we would be Cotswold Districts. The followed by sharing a glass of planning concerns better able to serve the formation of the new district of wine on the terrace in between the two districts membership. was celebrated by having a beautiful sunshine. After – what happens around On the planning front joint AGM at this auspicious task the effects Kemble it continues to be very Park in July at which the new committee has been and Tetbury and vice versa. quiet with a steady members of each district formed with representatives With declining membership flow of small planning unanimously approved the from both ex districts and it was also clear that application for single dwellings or extensions/ conversion of existing buildings but no major developments. We have objected to a limited number of these. Many of these have still not been decided which is a concern. Apart from the joint AGM we have held two other events this summer. A fascinating visit to behind the scenes at Westonbirt arboretum where we met and heard from the experts who have made it a world renowned centre of arboreal research and a truly mind stretching guided tour of the long barrow archaeological excavation on Abbey Home farm. The professor had an unbelievable way of bringing to life what to the layman looked like a pile of random stones and pits. It reminded one how deep the history of the Cotswolds is – we were looking at a site which had been in continuous use from 3500 to 500 BC - a longer period than from the Romans to today. All the events were well attended and I think well enjoyed; many thanks to all the members who supported your

Nick Dummett committee’s efforts.

Sir Henry Elwes pointing out trees of special interest at Westonbirt arboretum.

12 CPRE Gloucestershire views Autumn 2019

NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICTS

Berkeley Vale “ Prue Vernon, Chairman Berkeley Vale will be in for a “number of large housing projects hings have been modifications has been the site for housing. with a Yes/No pin board quiet as the Stroud submitted. We all agree The AGM was held at Dr attracted attention. TDistrict 2020 Local that the design of the Jenner’s House, Berkeley, Ashley Smith, who is Plan is being considered. stand is splendid but are and we were able to visit volunteering with CPRE The Berkeley Vale will be not keen on the site nor on the museum and garden this summer, did a great in for a number of large its likely impact on William of medicinal herbs. Prof. job in asking passers-by housing developments Morris College for severely Mark Horton gave an for their opinions. It was with access to the A38 and autistic adolescents who entertaining talk on the an excellent opportunity the M5. Where everyone need quiet to help them Berkeley family and their to discuss CPRE’s approach is going to work and how manage their condition. role in the colonisation to planning and the need they will get there except The development of the of the east coast of USA. to consider wide ranging by driving is a serious current stadium site for This was well attended effects of what may consideration. 96 houses at the top of by non-members and we initially seem an open and The application for the Nailsworth is now under all enjoyed the excellent shut case. He had run the proposed football stadium active consideration. Poor supper provided by the same exhibition at Stroud at Junction 13 of the M5 access to the current committee. Show which produced very for Forest Green Rovers stadium, one of the We had a stand at different results. Frampton: was refused but has now reasons given for the new Frampton Country Fair two thirds against,

gone for appeal and a new stadium, applies equally and the exhibition of the one third for – Stroud:

application with slight to the development of proposed football stadium overwhelmingly for. The district continues to deal “ Cheltenham, “with a small number of planning Gloucester applications and appeals Cheltenham master plan seeking development of and Tewkesbury now proposes 7000 jobs, 215 houses at Stoke Road, Tom Hancock, Chairman 1200 homes and £650 Bishops Cleeve, close million investment over to the Wingmoor Farm 320 acres – and all in ex waste facility, is to be the Green Belt! subject of a public inquiry xamination of the includes provision of a There has been no starting on 8th October. Cheltenham Borough new secondary school further obvious progress An appeal seeking a EPlan took place in at Leckhampton in spite on either the JCS Review development of 24 February but the Inspector of well-documented or the Tewkesbury houses in an isolated and has yet to issue a final concerns about the Local Plan. Future unsustainable site close report. According to the unacceptable traffic Tewkesbury Borough to the AONB on the edge Council website, Major congestion in the area. planning is focusing on of parish Modifications resulting A planning application development plans for is to be considered at an from the Examination has now been submitted Ashchurch which is seen informal hearing on 15th are due to be considered by Gloucestershire as the focus for meeting October. by Cheltenham Borough County Council as the future JCS and Borough Over 50 members Council in October with local education authority housing requirements. and guests attended public consultation to itself as planning The Borough has secured the District AGM held starting in November authority! government funding at Stanway House 2019. From the Inspector’s Meanwhile Cheltenham which it proposes to in May when CPRE ‘post-hearing advice note’, has been making rapid use to develop a more Gloucestershire President the Council are required progress towards planning detailed masterplan for Charles Martell gave a significantly to reduce the for the Cyber Park and the area. A key element fascinating talk about proposed areas designated associated housing in West of this planning will be his experiences overseas. as Local Green Space, Cheltenham. The Borough how to accommodate an Then in June a smaller especially at Leckhampton Council has now purchased upgraded A46. number made a highly and Swindon Village while the land (£22m) for the first The district continues to successful and enjoyable that at West Cheltenham phase and consultation is deal with a small number visit to Woodchester will be removed entirely. under way on road access of planning applications Vineyard including a tour The Cheltenham Plan designs. The West of and appeals. An appeal and wine tasting.

Autumn 2019 CPRE Gloucestershire views 13 NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICTS

Forest of Dean

Prof. Patricia Broadfoot gave a Colin Evers “ CPRE Gloucestershire Trustee stimulating talk on CPRE’s new “Strategic Plan and The Countryside Charity initiative

n important on the spire was a superb and suggestions for future objected in principle to the event held early in achievement of which action were expressed under proposal, but object to the ASeptember was our everyone involved should be any other business. mast’s intended position in Annual General Meeting. very proud. Since the last newsletter, the landscape and design With Charles Martell our The AGM proper saw Simon action within CPRE Forest of style. To assist, we have Gloucestershire CPRE Murray appointed as the Dean District has continued suggested an alternative President present, the District’s new Chairman and on a number of fronts. CPRE site and a much less meeting was held at Clive Osborne was thanked Gloucestershire involvement brutalist mast design. Westbury-on-Severn Church for the contribution he had in the draft Gloucestershire Hot off the press, Forest with its unusual dedication made to the District during County Council Minerals of Dean District Council’s to Saints Peter Paul and his period in office. The Plan round continues to Forward Plan group has Mary, and commenced with other committee members be led via Bob Brown from just published its Forest of a guided tour of the newly were unanimously elected our District. A number Dean Local Plan 2021 to re-shingled 160 ft high and a call was made for of planning applications 2041 – Issues and Options Grade 1 listed stand-alone more members to volunteer. made to Forest of Dean Consultation September tower and spire. Complete Formal business closed our District Council have been 2019 document. The with its 6 recently rehung CPRE Gloucestershire Chair, assessed and responded to document sets out the refurbished bells, and its Prof. Patricia Broadfoot where they do not appear to Council’s intentioned 35000 newly hand-clefted gave a stimulating talk align with CPRE policy. One approach as to how the Forest of Dean oak shingles, on CPRE’s new Strategic example is an intended new District will be planned everyone agreed the extent Plan and “The Countryside 30m tall communications until 2041. We shall be and quality of the work Charity” initiative. Following mast to be built near responding in due course to that has been carried out on this a variety of views at The Barracks. We have not the consultation.

View of the Forest of Dean Colin Evers

14 CPRE Gloucestershire views Autumn 2019 NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICTS

North Cotswolds

Michael Green, Acting Chairman we have questioned “ the density of housing and “a major parking issue Michael Green Moreton-in-Marsh ince the Cotswolds is a 60 bed care home on the major parking issue. being proposed as a edge of the town is only 300 The new Dunstall Farm SNational Park we held metres away from a proposal for 250 houses on held in July at Springhill an April meeting in Stow; recently granted care home; the Fosse Way concerns near Broadway by kind over 100 people attended here we concluded that as us for reasons relating to permission of the Weil and with Martin Lane, the the site was lying outside the scale of development Ward families. The house director of the Cotswolds the newly adopted Local compared with the provision was built by Capability Conservation Board giving Building Plan and within the of the local plan. It involves Brown in 1759 for the 6th the talk. A lively question Cotswolds AONB there was a 250 dwellings, more than Earl of Coventry, known and answer session followed. strong case for refusal. twice the number [119] more for his landscaping The adoption of the Another controversial intended in the local and garden design, this local plan has affected site for 67 homes on the plan. We welcome the was the only house in the number of planning Eventide road is within the provision for affordable Gloucestershire that he applications but our boundary of the local plan housing and hope the built. We had an interesting involvement on three sites but is strongly objected to council will hold firm against talk from Charles Martell in Moreton in the Marsh by local residents and we any attempt to reduce the and spent the early evening show the resolve of some have questioned the number specified. enjoying the sunshine in developers. The proposal for density of housing and a The District AGM was the gardens.

Autumn 2019 CPRE Gloucestershire views 15

Stroud “ Pippa Schwartz, Secretary had a very successful day “ at the Stroud Show in July ...

troud District had interest and the committee for members and non- and an objection from a very successful concluded that this members at Brimscombe CPRE. One major worry Sday at the Stroud approach makes for a far Port, where a volunteer for that was not addressed Show in July, with Ashley more fruitful event. The the Cotswold Canals Trust by the plans was the Smith initiating a welcome committee were once more talked about the current resultant light pollution change of approach by grateful to the treasurer, major development plans from lights at the stables engaging passers by to Margaret Fedrick, who for the area. and in the ménage in this record their opinions of again produced a wide There has been an rural location. If consent the proposed football range of plants which were interesting application is to be recommended by stadium at M5 junction 13 sold to raise money for the for an equestrian the planners, the local and the related housing district. establishment in Thrupp councillor will ask for it development at Forest At the beginning of which, owing to its size, to go to the Development Green’s current site. This September, the committee has attracted a lot of Control Committee for attracted considerable arranged an outing adverse comment locally further scrutiny.

Branch and District Contacts

CPRE Gloucestershire office (manned Tuesdays and Thursdays) Community House, College Green Gloucester GL1 2LZ Tel/Fax: 01452 309783 e-mail: [email protected] www.cpreglos.org.uk Registered Charity No. 248577 Cheltenham, North Gloucester & Cotswolds Chair Professor Patricia Broadfoot CBE Tewkesbury [email protected] Vice Chairmen Forest Richard Lloyd MBE, David Brooke Tetbury Director Louise Williams of Dean & South e-mail: [email protected] Cotswolds Projects and Marketing Consultant Stroud Ashley Smith & 07740 048984 Berkeley e-mail: [email protected] Vale Membership Secretary Elizabeth Bourne Hon Treasurer Julian Oxley & 01452 750797 Hon Secretary David Bayne & 01242 237074 e-mail: [email protected]

District Chairmen Tetbury and South Cotswold Berkeley Vale Prue Vernon & 01453 860329 Nicholas Dummett & 01285 720090 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury Stroud Pippa Schwartz (Secretary) & 01453 883973 Tom Hancock & 01242 602173 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Newsletter Editor Ashley Smith Forest of Dean Simon Murray e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Design Colette Brownrigg North Cotswold Michael Green & 01451 870300 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Printing The Color Co, Cheltenham & 01242 226332

16 CPRE Gloucestershire views Autumn 2019