DCC: Folly farm footpath and other applications

The Folly farm footpath in Paganhill - or Folley farm as the sign on the gate says - returned to the Development Control Committee meeting today and was deferred for a month so that a Sites Panel of councillors could visit the site themselves.

Photo: Ebley Mill - not today - it was grey and damp and still too warm for this time of year

Use the search facility on this website to see previous entries re Folly Farm. DCC had three options re this footpath on the table today - the first to not go-ahead with the footpath changes, the second to call for a Public Inquiry and the third to see if each of the 17 official rejections by members of the public could be removed - ie to get those people to withdraw them officially.

This last option would seem impossible; especially as the reasons for objections are serious and clearly not like in some other disputes where people object to changes in Rights of Way as a matter of course. That leaves the other two which both have cost implications and have to take account of many issues like the fact that this footpath change has already had support from some.

To me this mess could have probably been avoided if the process had been different - the Council followed procedures so I'm not criticising them but clearly the procedures themselves are absurd. Certain bodies are consulted like the Ramblers then it goes to DCC - this one went in the summer - at the meeting I specifically asked if consultation had taken place and was assured it had and that no objectionjs had been made - well it had - but only to those certain bodies like the Ramblers - I voted against the changes but the application was passed - understandably as other councillors heard there were no objections.

I then learnt that the public are informed after the vote by notices - this is the first they had heard about what appears to be one of the longest running footpath disputes in the District. Why on earth aren't these people - the local landowners and neighbours involved in the process earlier? Many of them had useful and important points to make.

Anyway we are now where we are and I would love to have this footpath along the brook edge - indeed opening up and improving access to the brook is partly what RBAG is about - but - and this is the biggest 'but' - we can't have this footpath at the expense of the other one being lost - I have mentioned the various concerns before including loss to biodiversity and flooding issues - many of these can maybe able to be got around to some extent but the main issue that cannot is the fact that this new route is longer, follows a potentially muddy brook-side path and goes down a steep slope - it is this slope that I object to most as it will exclude less able walkers - and I know for a fact that the current route is used by people who are less able walkers who like a flat, dry surface to walk along.

There are various other issues that should be taken into account but I was not able to make many of these comments at DCC due to the deferral for a Sites Panel. Some argue that the current owners of the farm bought the property knowing the footpath was there so should learn to live with it - I see that point but I can also see the argument that if an alternative acceptable route can be found then it would be good for all. It does seem a great shame that a solution cannot be found - a couple of the objectors made very good alternative suggestions that warrant attention. I do hope that at some point we will all be able to explore the best way forward together so that all the concerns are taken into account.

Other DCC stuff

Anyhow I'm running out steam - a little more - as for the rest of the DCC meeting I was struggling a little today to get all the points made - there were several extra amendments I was able to make on a number of planning applications like including conditions of Sustainable Urban Drainage.

One application that surprised me most was for 61 sheltered apartments in Bowbridge - the garage there - we need sheltered accomodation urgently in the District but have to say I was shocked by this application and it's disregard for design - one councillor described it as a cruise ship being plonked down near the canal - otherthan the poor design it also ignored the fact that this was an employment site - and if we don't have those we are going to end up with more unsustainable commuting, it was also in a Conservation area, it had no affordable housing element, no renewables, no habitat improvement and no contributions re the canal or it seems proper regard for traffic considerations. I have to wonder how these companies work - is this to some how soften us up so we will welcome their nexy proposals?

URGENT: Can you support a new community farm?

Hi all, I've been asked to add this to the blog...an invitation to support the community buy-out of 137 acres of Nupend Farm, Horsley to enable the development of a community connected farm at Wheelbarrow. I don't know the details but there is lots of info below and I will certainly explore further....the deadline is 23rd July and would urge others to consider whether they can support....

Dear Friends,

Berni and Fadia Courts of Wheelbarrow Farm, Horsley have just contacted us at the Stroud based charitable Biodynamic Land Trust (BDLT), to ask for help securing 137 acres of Nupend Farm, so that they can develop a viable community connected, organic farm.  The potential benefits include permissive public access, growing healthy food, jobs, training entrant farmers, access for children, more biodiversity and landscape value, and the preservation of both family farming and a living, working countryside.

Berni, with Fadia’s full support, has for 18 years farmed and managed Gables Farm, a small mixed farm  situated near Tipputs Inn on the A46 ,  near Horsley. Fadia has recently taken on fully the development of their own  holding , Wheelbarrow Farm. They see the opportunity to develop Wheelbarrow Farm at Horsley, into a beacon community connected farm, supplying good food locally so as to cut food miles and increase   resilience.  Just imagine a farm where the whole community can safely appreciate working horses, sheep, cattle, poultry and pigs, and where we can work together as a community to grow vegetables, fruit and cereals.

The unexpected sale of Nupend Farm took them by surprise, as did the estate agent’s closing date for offers by 2 pm on Tuesday July 23!  Equally, this out of the blue request for BDLT support caught us hopping, as finding £1.1 million with security at such short notice is an unusual challenge, when our funds are mostly committed. Hence this  urgent invitation.....

However, because many local people and indeed people from all over Britain are concerned with how to make the transition to a local, sustainable  food culture,  we thought this an opportunity to write to you to ask,   ‘How can we secure this land together for a beacon,  community connected farm?’

You may ask what other communities have successfully done this? Consider Bristol Community Farm, Fordhall Farm at Market Drayton (assisted by Stroud Common Wealth), Stroud Community Agriculture and Tablehurst Community Farm in Sussex, which the BDLT  helped secure land for.

The formula for success is simple: competent, experienced community engaged farmers with a viable business plan for a diversified mixed farm, plus a shared vision for a community connected farm as well as a community of local people wanting to support their local farm by investing in the land and the produce. Wheelbarrow can successfully realise this with your help and dialogue on needs.

The land (GL6 0PZ) is on the right of the B4058 going out of Horsley in the Uley direction. There are water sources and reasonable soils (Grade 3) and good access. Currently there are two pastures and 4 large arable fields growing cereals, potatoes, oil seeds etc in a 8 year rotation.

The 137 acres of bare land  is priced at around £1.1million. There is a £256,000 bank loan potentially on offer, so we need to find £ 744,000 in gifts (we are a charity, so these are gift aidable), interest free loans, low interest loans, loan guarantees and community shares.  To enable the BDLT to make a timely offer by Tuesday, we would need interested people to commit now, and then if our bid is successful, to get money to us by the end of August.

So, can we do another Fordhall, where over 8,000 people invested £800,000 in community shares to secure the farm?  If villages can buy pubs,  can they be inspired to buy a farm ?

How does the BDLT and Community Shares work?

The BDLT is a charitable community benefit society based in Stroud with educational, countryside conservation and sustainable organic, biodynamic farming objects. You join by investing, and there is one member one vote, regardless of the size of your share investment, and members elect directors at AGMs. Shares are intended to be a long term investment in the community, with no interest paid - rather there are environment and social benefits.

(See www.biodynamiclandtrust.org.uk for our Rules, also www.communityshares.org.uk)

Apart from  inheritance, shares are only  withdrawable from the BDLT subject to three months notice and at the discretion of the directors. Although in practice the shares are not easy to withdraw, they are known as withdrawable shares, not transferable shares. Individuals as well as organisations can join, and the limit is £20,000 shares, though loans are also an option. The BDLT has an asset lock.  As an investor, you should be aware that  there are some financial risks,  although this is a sound, land backed investment. So don’t invest more than you can afford to lose.

At this stage, we are inviting you to make an expression of interest-to be firmed up later should there be enough support. So, how would the  community buy out of the land work?

 How would the Nupend land community buy out work?

Everything helps. This will only work if many people email us by Monday pm or Tuesday 23rd by 10 am  using the Expression of Interest Form pledging either to:

·      Make  a gift

·      Or, invest in shares: 4,400 people investing £250 each will raise £1.1 million!

·      Or, invest £8,500 in shares to secure one acre. Imagine if 137 people can do this?

·      Or, offer long term interest free loans, or loans at low interest

·      Or, help with events, organising and administration

·      Or consider becoming a supporter of  Wheelbarrow Community Farm

·      Or be prepared to guarantee a loan

If there are enough timely pledges and support, then the BDLT directors can then consider whether we can go ahead or not. This last minute invitation could just work!  Please discuss it with friends and family, tweet it, and pass the email invitation on? If you need more information about the farm, ring Fadia and Bernie on 07977174741 (B) 07429427650 (F) or email them on fadiaandberni@googlemail.com for more details. Come on a farm walk at 5pm Tuesday 23rd July at Wheelbarrow Farm and become part of an exciting vision for local community agriculture.

Yours Sincerely

Martin Large,

Executive director of the BDLT (biodynamiclandtrust@gmail.com, 07765 006829)

PS As well as assisting the Fordhall Farm community buy out,  Stroud Common Wealth helped raise £25,000 in 5 days in 2010 for an auction to buy Folly Wood, for Stroud Co-op Woodlands.  So we know it can be done!

So, please request an Expression of Interest Form and return ASAP……………………………….so we can acknowledge on Thursday 25th

 'We abuse the land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.'  Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic

Biodynamic Land Trust : www.biodynamiclandtrust.org.uk
The Biodynamic Land Trust Ltd is registered with the FSA as a community benefit society,(31448R) and is an exempt charity registered with the FSA (XT33649)
The Painswick Inn, Gloucester St, Stroud  GL5 1QG UK

Folly Farm path rerouted and proposed path in Ruscombe

At Development Control meeting last week the change to the footpath at Park End, Paganhill up through Folly Farm was discussed.

I had not been aware of this proposed change until getting the paperwork for this meeting - it apparently was discussed before my election and I have not walked that route recently to see any notices. No objections were received for this change from the Town Council, Ramblers or neighbours. The County approved the change and when it came to the vote last week I was a lone voice against the change.

In my view the new route means more walking up and down to meet the existing path along the brook and it is not a necessary change. I would have preferred to see it retained.

See details and map


Ruscombe field path

In contrast an additional footpath is being proposed in the same valley at Paganhill across the Ruscombe fields - this is further up than the Folly Farm route. This route has been walked for as long as people can remember so is really only confirming a route that already exists.

See map

What are your rights:
http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=353

Folly Farm footpath falls, SUDS and planning applications

Firstly the good news is that Development Control Committee, which I sit on at Ebley Mill, voted today to let the application for this contentious footpath fall. This means the application for this footpath will not be continued. SDC will be liable for costs to date but the alternative would most likely have been a Public Inquiry which means even greater expense. 17 objections including Stroud Town Council were made to this proposed change: a considerably higher number of objections than most other diversions - use search engine to see previous entries of Folly Farm (or Folley farm as the sign on the gate says).

Photo: Ebley Mill a couple of weeks ago

As the neighbouring ward councillor I welcome this decision - it would be great to have a footpath that goes along another section of the brook but this proposed diversion cannot be at the expense of the other route. I have some sympathy with the owner who wants to change the route away from her front door but the new route is radically different. There are a number of serious concerns but primarily in place of a flat, accessible route often used by people who have some difficulties walking, we have a potentially much more muddy route that is longer, goes up and down slopes and is much less easier to walk.

Councillors making the decision have heard the various points of view and many have visited the site themselves and could see this change was not acceptable. There are other options which could be considered by the owner and the community which could potentially get around these problems. I hope that a satisfactory solution for all could be reached in the future.

Meanwhile at DCC I managed to add a Sustainable Urban Drainage condition of development to at least applications - DCC have agreed in the past to look at this but it still isn't getting through - I hope this time they got the point - SUDs should be standard on most applications.

Another condition that should be standard is wheel washing by lorries on development sites - the mess they can create on our roads and to our drainage systems is huge. Again I raised this a couple of times where it had been missed.

You can of course see the meeting on the webcast here. Some of the decisions included turning down the application in Painswick for 16 care apartments, defering a decision on a barn conversion in Kings Stanley and approving Sunday opening at the chippy in Minchinhampton - the latter I abstained on as I am uncomfortable about most Sunday opening but there was no clear planning reason to object - here was a business that had operated for 30 years with no complaints - a point I made at the meeting. Anyway very tired now so need a rest before a brook group meeting.

Folly Farm footpath change - consultation until 23rd August

For background information and links go to my blog on 16th June 2006.

Three people have responded to me already with concerns re the notices that went up a couple of days ago re the consultation of this footpath - that goes through Folly Farm - see photo left. Concerns include trees possibly being cut, the extra people will have to walk, the possible steepness of the slope and more.

I am hoping to arrange a meeting on site with Officers so that the site can be viewed. If people are interested they should phone me on 01453 755451. It is often hard to see just from the plans. I did vote against the proposed change at a recent Development Control meeting as I was not reassured by the information given. However a site visit will hopefully allow us all to see the implications.

There might even be some advantages of opening up a walk along the edge of the brook, but I will need to be considerably more reassured regarding the extra distance to walk, the gradients involved etc and the loss of a Right of Way that has been around for many, many years.

If people wish to make objections, they should write to SDC before 23rd August - see previos Blog for contact details etc. The proposal then may be approved or passed to the Secretary of State to consider.

Folly farm footpath - to DCC in January

Just got an update on this footpath - see photo of farm that it runs through - see also previous Blogs like 1st August 2006 for reasons for objections (use search facility):

"The current situation is that I am preparing a report to be considered at the January DCC meeting. A total of 17 valid objections were made. At this stage there are three options open to the council; 1) we can decide not to proceed any further 2) we can attempt to overturn the objections or 3) we can refer the matter to the Secretary of State (SOS) for his determination. These three options and their implications will be explained in full in the report. The letters of objection will be included with the report for consideration and if the council decides upon the third option the objections will be sent to the SOS as part of our submission. Either way the objections will be given full consideration before any final decision is made. At this stage the applicant has indicated her desire to continue with the present application notwithstanding the objections. The committee meeting is on the 9th January 2007. I will write to inform all the objectors of any decision made at that meeting. In the meantime if you need any further information or clarification please let me know."

Puckshole closed - Ruscombe brook at its highest

Ebley Mill carpark today was half closed due to flooding - and several roads in the District were closed - forecasts are saying that an astonishing average of 50mm of rainfall could fall within 24 hours. See useful article here re weather worldwide.

Photos: Ebley Mill carpark today, then the mini-landslip that blocked Puckshole and below further down 2 photos of the Ruscombe brook at Mill Pond Farm

In Cheltenham the fire service has apparently been inundated with reports of flood water entering cellars in shops and homes, and in Gloucester fire crews were reported on the BBC to have rescued 50 dogs and 20 cats stranded in kennels.

While many local roads are opening Puckshole is still closed to traffic - the Ruscombe brook was the highest we've seen it - Puckshole completely flooded this morning, about 2ft of water in Cooke’s builders’ yard.

One email to me today noted a "massive discharge of a brown smelly water like content into the brook, going across our drive and taking with it substantial mud and plants from the bank. Further up - embankment from Folly Farm – landslide making Parkend impassable by car (yes indeed it could have been the new footpath!). We have taken photos and been busy for a good 1 ½ hour protecting properties. I have reported this to SDC and EA (the later was not too keen but no one knows what is stored at the builders yard possible chemicals or asbestos??!)."

The email continued: "The water has taken substantial surface covering from my driveway and the bank to the brook is ruined – many hours of work trying to improve it are gone!"

In another email a brook member further down the brook notes: "Water was torrenting out from our drive culvert and flooding the low areas all along the brook. Photos attached, you notice the boat was out!"

It is too early to say how much the river is overflowing and how much it is the sewers - if at all? Although I'd be surprised if they managed to cope with this level of rainfall without overflowing.....

RBAG response to proposed Folly Farm footpath change

See 28th July Blog for background details and links to maps re the proposed footpath change. Below is an email to Stroud District Council expressing points re this change from the Ruscombe Brook Action Group:

At a meeting of the Ruscombe Brook Action Group (RBAG) this evening various concerns were raised about the rerouting of the footpath ZST28. The group did not agree as a group, at this point, on whether they supported or objected to the proposed changes, however the following concerns were raised by members:

- the brook floods it's banks regularly and on occasions floods the lane: it has been known in the last couple of years to flood to a depth of over 2 feet across the lane. Concerns noted are that the only flat/dry route out is via the old route through the farm and that a walk alongside the brook may become impassable on a regular basis in poor weather.

- the proposed changes lead to walkers having to negotiate a steep slope and a longer route.

- the proposed changes will be more difficult/impossible for two known walkers who are less able to negotiate slopes and more uneven surfaces.

- the proposed route would appear to require at least one significant tree being removed.

Some members of the group gave a cautious welcome to the idea about a walk along the brook and the possibility of making that area more accessible to public but were unsure about whether the benefits were worth the loss of the old right of way.

Another issue raised was that RBAG are looking to improve the quality of water along the whole length of the brook and reduce the health hazard it poses: there have been numerous very serious incidents of raw sewage getting into the brook (see our website for further details) and flooding particularly at Puckshole. RBAG have been in negotiation and discussion with many parties involved with the brook including SDC, Severn Trent, British Waterways, Parish Councils, the Environment Agency and land owners as to how the situation can be improved. The fact that this proposed footpath borders the brook in one of the areas of flooding could offer opportunities to improve the watercourse and surrounding area.

The group agreed to request that they be invited to any consultation or site visit to discuss the matter further and see the proposals in more detail. Indeed the group would welcome opportunities to meet with all the other parties to consider the best way forward.

Philip Booth, Stroud District councillor and Secretary of the Ruscombe Brook Action Group,
www.rbag.org.uk

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish meeting - newsletter, Lower Street and more

A frustrating day of computor problems: a faulty router - well that's what I'm told. Back online now and catching up with emails.

This evening Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish meeting - got there half an hour early - just misread time - should know by now! Anyway the Parish indulged me in a few minutes of their time to feedback on some of the issues raised in this Blog - like the 20 mph, brook, Folly Farm footpath, street lighting etc.

It was a nice easy meeting with some laughs - sometimes meetings can be too boring and serious - getting the balance right is an art. Anyhow news not mentioned so far includes:

- a proposal for a temporary One Way route down Bell Pitch and along Lower Street until Lower Street is re-opened has been squashed and will not proceed due to many issues. The latest on Lower Street is that work will be after Christmas.

- I will be pursuing the possibilities of incorporating a Shared Spaces approach into the Parishes proposals for the Village Green and main road.

- Randwick School have just purchased a solid oak bench which is inserted 4ft into ground. It is beautiful to look at and very robust. The Parish are looking at similar for the Playing field.

- a newsletter for the Parish is getting closer - talk of an editorial committee beig set up - I've offered myself to help as am already writing stuff here - hopefully a first edition in New Year sometime.

Folly Farm footpath update

See Blog on 31st August for background info. Unfortunately the rights of way officer at the County Council is off sick at the moment - so correct legal advice is being sought as to what options are available and how they can be pursued. I am told by one of the solicitors at the District Council that I can "assure the local residents that no decsion has been taken so far and neither will it be taken until such time as their objections have been given proper consideration."

I'll let you know if any further developments but believe all are keen to find a solution that works for all.

Latest on Folly Farm footpath - 17 objections

See Blog on 1st August for background info re this footpath route change. Apparently there have been 17 objections to this footpath change - unprecedented in the history of footpath changes in Stroud! So it is unclear whether it will go to next stage - if it does then we are hoping for a site visit the week of 18th September to see if we can iron out concerns or consider another route.

Planning, hospitals and more

This week has been quiet re Council meetings - for me just a half an hour one looking at planning needs of members - this has allowed me to catch up a bit on other issues like the Folly farm footpath re-routing (see blog below) and two residents issues regarding planning applications that have become rather complicated.

The fight against the hospitals continues - it is great to see 7000 marched in Cheltenham and some 150 made it this week to lobby Patricia Hewitt when she came to Cirencester. I also met this week with 15 year old Ruth Royall lead singer of local award winning band Sub Justice and also now singing on her own - this hugely talented Ebley girl has recorded a wonderful single that she has donated to the Hospital campaign. The recording involved 6 sets of her voice and then adding the Stroud Samba band - am sure it will soon be being heard on local radio and hopefully national.

Other meetings this week have included catching up with Green Stroud District councillors to look at our response to various consultations like the Regional Spatial Strategy (see Blog on 10th July) and meeting with Vision 21 regarding their plans for a conference in October looking at climate change.

Plus the usual general Green party news releases - visit the website to see what we've been doing this week - interestingly my letter in SNJ was sent to them on 17th May!! A number of more recent letters have been sent since then regarding the Government's Energy Review - they really need to print up to date letters.

TTS, broken glass, clay rabbits and no bus in The Lane

With a blog title like that I'm bound to bring in the punters - be warned this is one to send you to sleep......a sort of collection of bits and pieces from this week that might be of interest...

Photo: view across Cashes Green from near Carpenters Arms

It's been a few days of catching up on the correspondence and the huge number of emails plus:
- cleared glass from a path that I'd received several emails about - it wasn't even in my ward but it was easier than trying to get the appropriate authority to find it and respond
- had a meeting with 2 women from Randwick in Whiteshill Village Coffee Shop with Village Agent Pam Thorne to explore ways forward re the Randwick bus not going down The Lane
- raised a host of issues at the Randwick Parish meeting this evening where Calvin Williams was voted and co-opted onto serve on the Parish to replace Tracey Waite who resigned last year (Calvin's energy over coordinating the Parish Plan and youth involvements will be a great addition to the team)
- read papers for the upcoming SDC budget - more of that for another blog
- met other councillors at a Sites Panel re the Folly Park Farm footpath
- attended a meeting with 35 others to explore one of the most exciting projects around - Transition Towns Stroud (ended up taking on coordinating one of the sub-groups - more of that soon)
- made clay rabbits and other animals at Woodcraft Folk this evening with 6 to 10 year olds...OK this is the point where I'd better sign off...