Shaping the heart of Stroud - Policy options Objective Relevant LP policies Policy options (options may be inconsistent and/or conflict with one another) To make the town centre accessible by all modes of transport, using safe, convenient and well designed routes. To improve the links between the town centre and the canal and Stratford Park. SO4 Transport and travel CP14 High quality sustainable design EI12 Promoting transport choice and accessibility EI13 protecting and enhancing cycle routes Give priority to pedestrians in core zone by making non pedestrianised roads shared use (Ref Public Realm Strategy) Close link between George Street and Russell Street at Four Clocks to prevent traffic circulation Close George Street to traffic and make Russell Street two way Discourage non-essential traffic within town centre by signage and up to date parking information Provide enhanced up to date travel information re buses Create a new pedestrian/cycle route on NW side of Merrywalks Create a signed and safe pedestrian route through London Road car park from Waitrose to Brunel Mall Provide additional cycle parking Provide for short term pop and shop parking on all non pedestrianised routes Replace the wall at the end of High Street/The Cross to improve accessibility (Ref Public Realm Strategy) Any to safeguard potential pedestrian/cycle routes through Fromeside industrial estate and Beeches Green Safeguard and explore long term option for creation of
To diversify the economy of the town centre so that it is an active place throughout the week, at weekends and in the evening. To welcome and support new and existing businesses and provide a good range of high quality accommodation for all kinds of businesses to establish and grow. To protect and enhance important spaces including greenspaces. SO3 town centres and rural hinterlands CP12 town centres and retailing EI10 provision of tourism opportunities EI7 non-retail uses in primary frontages EI8 non retail uses in secondary frontages SO2 local economy and jobs CP11 new employment EI1 key employment sites E13 small employment sites new bridges across the canal and river to improve accessibility into the town centre from the south ( Tim Mars bridge ) Ref Public Realm Strategy) Re of Market Tavern to include the protection of the market; provision of a public square; provision of a high quality landmark building; a pedestrian link to Brunel Mall; high quality interface with Union Street and Cornhill frontages Encourage the reuse of vacant or underused upper floors in the core for commercial/residential/social/ leisure/cultural purposes Encourage existing businesses to maximise the use of their floorspace and sites Ensure that /re at Fromeside provides a high quality frontage to the canal and enhances the access along the canalside. Encourage small scale commercial uses in core part of town centre Encourage workspace incubation units where?old Convent? Define gateway areas: Wallbridge; Merrywalks A46 roundabout; top of High Street; London Road Protect the setting of the Subscription Rooms and the Medieval Hall Enhance the public space outside the Sub Rooms Ref Public Realm Strategy Protect the wildlife corridors along the Canal/Frome
To enhance biodiversity To improve energy efficiency and encourage the use of renewable sources of energy. To respect the setting of the town centre by protecting important views. SO6 our District s distinctive qualities CP14 high quality sustainable ES6 providing for biodiversity and geodiversity SO5 climate change and environmental limits CP8 new housing CP14 high quality sustainable design ES2 renewable and low carbon energy production valley; along NW side of Marrywalks Safeguard identified views out of the town Create a public space at the junction of George Street/Russell Street in front of Four Clocks Create multi use space in Fawkes Place with rear access to flats over shops; timed servicing for shops; high quality surfacing; screening to define space outside boundary buildings. Safeguard Bank Gardens as a recreational public greenspace and important area for biodiversity Create enhanced pedestrian friendly attractive space to front of railway station Ref Public Realm Strategy Plant wildflowers/herbs wherever possible throughout town centre to support insect life and promote biodiversity Encourage planting of wildflowers on vacant land/potential sites Policy ambition to move towards a carbon neutral town centre over the plan period (Rely on LP policies to make this happen?) Specific views to be safeguarded (as identified on Proposals Map)
To enhance the historic fabric appearance of the town centre. and To mark the main entry points to the town centre ( gateways ) and provide a sense of arrival. To provide more high quality dwellings to increase the number of people who live in the town centre. To make the town centre a welcoming place where people are encouraged to spend time. ES10 valuing our historic environment and assets CP8 new housing CP9 affordable housing HC2 providing new homes above shops in our town centres Review, update and adopt Conservation Area Management Plan Develop a local list of buildings of historic buildings and a strategy for securing their long term safeguarding Review update and adopt shop front guidance Provide points of interest and local interpretation through public art Ref Public Realm Strategy Development character brief for each zone to provide design guidance? Identify potential Assets of Community Value (under Localism Act gives a community the right to bid if the asset comes on the market) Give each gateway a distinctive feature eg public art; planting; landmark buildings Provide town centre signs at each gateway use slogan Proud to be Stroud? Encourage residential which increases the range and tenure of the stock eg increased housing for sale; self build, co-operative Review all signage to minimise street clutter Review charging regime for parking to allow more flexible visits Use surface materials, signage and information boards to lead people to key destinations (ref Public Realm Strategy)
To maximise opportunities to develop or redevelop land within the town centre to meet the needs of the town and make the most efficient use of land and buildings. CP2 strategic growth and locations ES11 maintaining, restoring and regenerating the District s canals CP14 high quality sustainable Favour mixed use including residential for all locations except key employment site (Fromeside industrial estate) All to contribute to enhancement of public realm All to contribute to improved connectivity into and within the town centre NOTES: 1. The above sets out a number of options that have emerged from the consultations, the options workshop and thematic seminars we have held and from the Public Realm Strategy a number of options 2. The options seek to complement rather than repeat what is in the Local Plan BUT will need to be checked with SDC before finalising. 3. All policies in the Plan must be justified ie what is the basis for choosing an option 4. Implementation of the Plan is critical so delivery mechanisms need to be identified