Latest on mast for Ash Lane

Below is the comprehensive letter from the Parish Council to Orange as their submission to the consultation. It is not strong enough in my view in rejecting the site although it raises many important points - this is an AONB area and we already have too many of these masts littering the countryside.

Photo: view of mast site

After another walk there I am more convinced than ever that this is not a good location. Anyhow I have today spoken with the National Trust to discuss this application and I know the AONB folk are also being contacted. I have also sought from SDC a guarantee that they will let us know of any application submitted by Orange locally - see previous blog entries for background as no application has yet been made.

Proposed Radio Base Station, Land Adjacent Ash Lane, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 6EX

I write on behalf of Randwick Parish Council in response to the consultation document sent to the Parish Clerk by Lambert Smith Hampton.

The council considered this matter at it’s monthly meeting on Thursday 20 March 2008. With the contentious nature of this proposal the council were pleased to welcome the largest turnout of parishioners to a monthly meeting for some considerable time. The council listened to the views expressed by parishioners, particularly those nearest to the proposed mast, and to those of the District Councillor present and took those views into consideration when formulating this response.

While the immediate reaction of many councillors was to object to the proposal to erect a 15-metre high telecommunication mast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the council recognises the benefit and public service served by having a good communication network. The council would therefore seek the following clarifications and would ask you to take onboard the suggestions, which are made in an attempt to make the proposal less unacceptable to the parish.

Clarifications. Purpose of mast - The letter from Lambert Smith Hampton states that the purpose of the mast is to improve mobile coverage for local and visiting people. It further states that the mast is needed to replace one decommissioned at Stroud College. The council are aware that the mast at Stroud College was removed at least one year ago. Not withstanding this, the council are also aware, from local enquires, that Orange coverage is still excellent in all areas of the parish. The council is also aware of an Orange base station within 1.5 km of this proposed mast. Could you therefore clarify why a new mast is required?

Traffic - Ash Lane is a steep, twisting single-track road that currently serves a few dwellings below the proposed entrance, two above it, a Guide Hut opposite the entrance and is used to access the National Trust woodland by both drivers and many walkers. The proposed entrance is at a blind spot where a footpath crosses the lane. The lane is accessed off of a rural road without footpaths that is used by pedestrians and particularly children to walk to the village school. Concerns have been expressed concerning the amount of new traffic generated by this proposal both during its construction and during its operation. Could you please give us your estimates of this increased traffic, both in number and size of vehicle?

Access to the mast - The proposal shows the entrance off Ash Lane but does not show any access track to the mast. Could you clarify if you intend to build a track to the mast and if so will this be permanent or just for the construction?

Cable routes - The drawings provided do not show the routes of any cables to the mast. Could you tell us if these will be over or underground? Do you have any proposed routes for these yet?

Mast usage - Will the mast be used solely for Orange mobile services? What power will the mast be transmitting at?

Suggestions - If the responses to these requests for clarifications were such as to lead The Council to support the proposal it would make the following suggestions to lessen the negative impact on our local environment.

Visual impact - The proposed site is within The Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; it will also be visible from the Randwick Conservation Area and the Cotswold Way National Trail and much of the surrounding area. The Council believes that the proposed installation should therefore be designed to the highest possible standards. To this end the Council would wish Orange to use one of the masts designed to resemble a tree. It would also request that the compound area is further disguised by planting of a hedge of native species outside of the security fence.

Entrance from Ash Lane - The Council, in response to the concerns of people living in Ash Lane, would like the details of the entrance from Ash Lane reconsidered. This location is currently a very rural area and this should be preserved. A stone access track and steel gates will not help in this aim. The Council would wish the track to be in some form of reinforced grass and the gates to be in treated timber. Concern has also been expressed about the creation of an area off the lane, which may lead to undesirable parking and associated noise and litter. The council would therefore want to see the gates placed at the side of the road in the same position as the existing gate and stile.

Footpath Access - The Council would wish to see the formalisation of the footpaths that have existed for many years parallel to Ash Lane and from the proposed access along the western boundary of the field to the Cotswold Way. Dog walkers and people wishing to access Randwick Woods without walking on the narrow road currently use both these paths extensively. The Council would be pleased to see this path either being dedicated as a public footpath or as a permissive path.

Conclusion - The Parish Council would prefer the proposal did not go ahead. However it recognises the public service provided by mobile communications. It therefore seeks clarification of the points raised. If the council were satisfied with the responses to these points it would support the proposal if the suggestions given were incorporated in the proposal.

Martin Rendell, Vice-chairman, Randwick Parish Council

Update on mast proposals for Ash Lane, Randwick

See my blog for 4th March 2008 for more info on the proposals re the mast for Ash Lane Randwick. My response to Orange is enclosed below - this is only an initial consultation but I already have had two letters and six emails expressing dismay at the plans for a mast at that site.

Photos: Entrance to site for mast at Ash Lane - new gateway maybe of concern re cars using it to park in at night to eat take-aways etc.

It is interesting to recall that Cainscross Parish were 'consulted' last year about a second mast opposite the Prince of Wales on Cashes Green Road, this was a T Mobile one (my blog has more details). The Parish responded that they couldn't see why that chosen site was any more favourable than the alternatives that they listed. However the mast folk still followed on with an official notification several months later, so it would appear that like the post offices, the initial consultation is unlikely to make any difference to their decision.

As noted in the previous blog they don't need planning permission but they still have to give a
'prior notification' which is dealt with by SDC in a similar manner to an application in that they send it out to us for comment.

In the case of the Cashes Green mast there was already one mast on the opposite pavement - rather than being a reason for not having a second one, it seems to have set a precedent for
siting an additional one in the same location. As a local person commented to me, the second mast seems even worse because it is on the pavement by Sunny Hill but the bungalows are set up on the bank making them practically level with the mast head. However diagrams of the beams viewed at the time strangely appear to show it at its highest intensity further out than that...

Anyhow the Local Plan encourages mast sharing but many of the Local Plan policies also seem to have loopholes and according to the company in the Cashes Green case it wasn't feasible to share the existing mast. Whether that would have been a good idea or not is debatable because it would still have doubled the output from the health point of view, but perhaps we can surmise that in order to share they would have had to make the existing mast bigger or replace it with a single larger one which would have needed planning permission, whereas the different companies can install any number in one place as long as they are all under 15 meters even though the Local Plan says they should share to discourage a proliferation of masts.

Cainscross Parish is very densely populated - the most dense in Stroud District - and the only bit that isn't, is the bit that's in the AONB which is Doverow Hill, so the Parish Council understandably responded that they would prefer it to be located in the AONB because at least it would be away from the residential area and they also requested it be disguised as a tree like some masts have been.

PPG8, the planning guidance on phone masts, of course directs companies away from the AONB and as some claim they can't oppose masts on health grounds, the LPA can only comment on the visual aspect, so the Local Plan also says that they shouldn't be visually intrusive and talks about the impact on the local countryside without specifically mentioning the AONB, which is why they get away with putting them in built up areas. So it's a bit ironic to see that another company is now applying to put one in the countryside up above Randwick.

T Mobile's agent's response to Cainscross was apparently that the mast met all the official guidance on the health risks so there was no point in meeting them to discuss other locations if they chose to ignore the guidance. It is also worth noting that the Cainscross mast is quite neat - the one proposed for Ash Lane is meant to have up to 5 dishes (3 initially if I remember right)....anyway here is my response to their initial consultation:


Radio Base Station proposed for Ash Lane: reference GLO136 Atten: Martin Grey, Orange PCS Limited, The Point, 37 North Wharf Road, Paddington, London W2 1AG

I have received your letter that Orange mobile phone network hope to put a 15 metre mast at land adjacent to Ash Lane, Randwick. I have sought initial comments from a few residents and have received several very strong letters arguing against this site.

Firstly, having considered this site I believe it would be very visually intrusive for a mast - not from all angles but particularly looking east/west. As you know this is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and this proposed mast will impact on views from many sites.

Secondly you note that you have tried to find alternative sites. I would be very interested in knowing where you have considered as I would imagine there are a number of sites that are less visually intrusive than this site and further from people's homes.

Thirdly it was my understanding that the Government's Stewart Report sets out that the maximum beam of intensity should not fall on any part of a school premises. I hope you can confirm this is not the case, but equally I am very concerned that a number of homes will be effected by the beam.

I would welcome your views on this. I hope very much that you will reconsider this proposal and look instead at other more suitable sites. Yours sincerely, Cllr. Philip Booth

Mast opposition grows

I have had copies of a couple of letters and emails plus comments from people opposing the mast proposed by ORange for Ash Lane in Randwick - the letters include one from a 6 year old who wrote apparently of his own initiative to me saying "I am furious about the mast. It is dangerous to me and my family."

Cartoon: Local Scribbler Russell gives his take on the mast

Here is one of the letters printed by permission here:

Dear Sir,

Re: Proposed mobile phone mast at Ash Lane, Randwick, Gloucestershire. Ref. GL0136.

We are writing in response to the articles in this weeks Randwick Runner, regarding the proposal by Orange to install a mast adjacent to Ash Lane.

We are devastated to learn of the plans and wish to voice out complete opposition to the proposal.

Our family which includes children of 4 and 6yrs, live in the village. We are extremely concerned about the effect which such base stations and electrical installations have on human health, young children in particular.

Numerous scientific studies suggest such base stations are responsible for many adverse effects including:

-Severe and persistent headache
- Depressive illness
- Loss of short term memory
- Downs Syndrome in neonatal exposures
- Myeloid Leukaemia’s in adults
-Increased incidence of lymphoma and solid tumour formation if the brain.

Major studies reporting these findings can be found at www.cogreslab.co.uk/base_stations.asp

By our reckoning, the proposed site is approx. 600m from Randwick Primary School and approx 500m from Cashes Green Primary School. These are well within the 750m ‘fallout’ zone of highest electromagnetic radiation from such masts.

Studies indicate that children under 11 yrs are at greatest risk of developing adverse effects because of the thinness of the bone in their skulls. This mast would potentially put at greater of ill health, all 218 pupils in addition to the even younger village children who live here.

While we appreciate that these health effects are rarely given consideration in planning matters, can we urge you to please raise them as a concern, since surely, the more people that do, the greater the chance that the ‘powers that be’ will actually sit up and act responsibly.

From a planning point of view, the suggested location is within the Cotswolds AONB boundary, and the AONB Partnerships policies and guidance state:

‘Telecommunications apparatus should be placed on existing masts where possible’

There are at least 3 masts in this area that we can think of; Cashes Green, Bird in Hand and near the junction with Beacon Lane to Hares field. Also ‘Where new masts are unavoidable, they should be placed so that they do not adversely affect the views across, to and from the prominent skylines and thus damage the sense of remoteness and open vistas. Masts …. should use existing masts/structures where possible’

It also borders a Conservation Area where visual consideration should be given to reduce the visual impact upon it.

We are also extremely concerned about road safety issues at the junction of Ash Lane with the road from Cashes Green through Randwick. The road at the point is on a blind brow and becomes very narrow. We are concerned that if this proposal goes ahead, it will increase the volume and type of traffic entering and exiting the village and Ash Lane, at this blind and dangerous section of road.

There will be increased traffic due to the construction and later, ongoing servicing and maintenance of the installation. The traffic will invariably consist of larger vans and lorries which are totally unsuitable for such a narrow lane and junction.

Only last year, our 4 and 6 year old children suffered a near miss when a vehicle travelling up the hill, had to swerve to avoid a vehicle exiting Ash Lane, narrowly missing us as we walked along the road at this point.

Not only does the proposal fall within the Cotswolds AONB, but it is also in close proximity to and would be visible from, the Cotswolds Way National Trail. This Trail has been declared by the Secretary of State because of its outstanding Natural Beauty and is one of only 12 such routes in the Country.

Should such a visibly intrusive structure be encouraged near such a nationally important recreational site? Many walkers enter and also exit the Trail at this point and walk down Ash Lane to stay at various B&B’s within the Village. Again there is increased risk of conflict with telephone mast associated traffic. We urge you to please strongly oppose this proposal by Orange and encourage all villagers and users of the village to do the same for the sakes of conserving the Natural Beauty of this area as well as out physical and mental health.

To this end we will lend our total support to any efforts to ensure that this proposal does not go ahead.

Yours faithfully, Mr. Mrs Julie and Julian Bendle

Ash Lane mast planning application has gone in

I've just spoken with Planning, Orange, Parish Council chair and others re this mast application which has now gone in - see my letter to the Randwick Runner below.

Cartoon: from "local scribbler, Russ"

Proposed Radio Base Station, Land Adjacent Ash Lane, Stroud: S.08/0862/FUL

Orange have now put in a planning application for a 15 metre high mast at land adjacent to Ash Lane. By the time the Runner goes to press, the District Council should have put full details on their website. I have requested that this planning application is withdrawn from the delegated schedule as this will allow more scrutiny of this planning application.

To make comments or objections on the application, quote the reference number and get them to the District Council within four weeks.

It is my view that the mast could have a serious negative visual impact on our beautiful countryside from some key angles. This, is also, in my view the strongest grounds for objecting to the mast. Several residents have already contacted me to express strong opposition to this location.

The need for a mast in the area has apparently arisen due to Stroud College not re-siting an Orange mast from their old building to their new one. However many people report reasonable Orange coverage despite the lack of a mast. Apart from questioning the need I am also concerned that Orange have not done enough to find alternative sites. I am told by Orange's agent that the mast within Standish Wood already has an Orange connection and that the Prince of Wales mast is not suitable. Is there an alternative site that will not impact on people or our countryside?

A health risk?

Planning regulations make it very difficult to challenge masts on health risks: indeed I have been told by some planners that it is not worthwhile raising health concerns. The Government's Stewart Report sets out that the maximum beam of intensity should not fall on any part of a school premises. However, as I've discussed on my blog, the Government guidelines fudge this by leaving loop holes that allow masts to be built on schools. In my view if there is concern about schools then we should also be concerned about homes.

We should at the very least see the precautionary principle applied - the Precautionary principle states that in the event of doubt, risk should be avoided or minimised. In a telephone call with Orange's agent I have sought more information regarding the beam intensity of this proposed mast. My initial information would indicate that the beam is away from people's homes, but I await confirmation.

Other concerns raised

Additional traffic on Ash Lane: Orange note that they make only six maintenance visits a year.

Access to the mast: the proposed access track area could become a place for cars to park at night listening to loud music like in other local areas.

Visual impact: the Parish Council noted that they would wish Orange to use one of the masts designed to resemble a tree. They have done this in other areas but only when insisted upon by Planning.

Objection to mast in Ash Lane, Randwick

As regular blog readers will know I have requested that this planning application for a mast is withdrawn from the delegated schedule on grounds of visual impact. I am awaiting confirmation but below is my objection to the mast - see also previous blogs about correspondence and more issues raised.

Photo: Google earth of the site - to the left of the letter 'S' in Stroud

If anyone wants to make comment on the mast please do - the details are now on the District Council's website - see here.

Letter of objection

Re: Proposed Radio Base Station, Land Adjacent Ash Lane, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 6EX
S.08/0862/FUL

I also now wish to formally object to the planning application by Orange PCS Ltd. on the land at Ash Lane, Randwick. My objection is on grounds that this application, if successful, will have a seriously detrimental visual impact over a wide area. The mast although only 15 metres high will be visible from many locations in the area and will impact negatively on the ANOB, a Conservation Area, extensive National Trust Woodland area, Cotswold Way, and the nationally renown viewpoint at Ash Lane.

I would also like to note that the entrance to the site, as proposed, will provide an area which could encourage fly tipping and illegal parking which has been the experience at other gateways in the area. Indeed several areas have faced noise from people parking late at night and listening to music loudly and leaving litter from their take-aways.

Lastly I note that the Planning Inspectors comments in a recent appeal dismissal of development at near-by Glenfield in Ash Lane notes the 'qualitites that create a distinctive and most attractive local character' as the retention of 'natural looking traditional landscape feature' rather than 'something altogether more urban and artificial in appearance'. I would suggest that a mast on this landscape would be 'urban and artificial'.

While I acknowledge the need for telecommunication facilities I do not consider this is a suitable site on grounds of it's serious negative visual impact on a sensitive area. I also do not consider the evidence provided of possible alternative sites for this mast, is sufficient.

Cllr. Philip Booth,
Stroud District councillor for the Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill ward

Radio Base Station proposed for Ash Lane

I have just received, recorded delivery, news that Orange mobile phone network hope to put a 15 metre mast up at land adjacent to Ash Lane, Randwick (UPDATE: I did not have the accurate location of the mast - see 20th March) I have until 13th March to comment to them on this proposal: similarly the Parish Council have been invited to comment along with any residents who may also want to express their views. I have therefore hurriedly thrown together this blog entry for the Randwick Runner....

Photo: Site for entrance to mast on Ash Lane and below diagram of mast

Orange have not yet put a planning application into Stroud District Council but will do so, after the response they get in this initial "consultation". I, along with the Parish and several residents have contacted some local people but clearly there maybe many others who also want to make their views know. The time frame is very tight indeed, but this is only 'consultation' by Orange and not part of the local authorities consultation process. Although it is worth noting that generally it is only masts over 15 metres that require full planning permission.

Orange note they have tried to find alternative sites but as far as I understand it seems they consider this site best meets their requirements. They have not let us know where else they have looked.

My initial view is that this site would be very visually intrusive for a mast - not from all angles but particularly looking east/west. I plan to view the site more closely but wanted to meet the Runners deadline so that residents can also make comments if they wish. Visual impact, particularly in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the strongest argument against this mast. I would be interested to hear how people consider it will effect them/

Health risk?

As many will know masts have been linked to health risks. The mobile phone companies are very good at putting forward evidence that shows there are no risks. However the Government's Stewart Report took a more cautious approach and sets out that the maximum beam of intensity should not fall on any part of a school premises. The Government guidelines in my view fudge this by leaving loop holes that allow masts to be built even on school buildings. Furthermore planning regulations make it very difficult to challenge masts on health risk fears: indeed I have been told by some planners that it is not worthwhile raising health concerns.

A couple of years ago I attended a national Mast Awareness Forum in Dorset that included experts from the Government's Regulatory Body, the National Radiological Protection Board and a number of independent scientists and other experts. The evidence of risks is still mixed, but in my view there is sufficient evidence to be concerned. Some scientists for example consider that children under the age of 11 are at greater risks from masts as their skulls are not developed properly. In one previous Orange application, a mast beam of greatest intensity was quoted as having a range of 750 metres. I have not yet looked at a map to see which homes in Randwick that range might include, nor have I been able yet to interpret the pages of data sent to me by Orange.

Many of us have long called for more action on this issue and at the very least called for the precautionary principle to be applied (the Precautionary principle states that in the event of doubt, risk should be avoided or minimised). I will view the site in more detail but will most likely be raising concerns with Orange about the visual impact and asking about what other sites have been considered.

If you want to comment on the site please use reference GLO136 and write to Martin Grey, Orange PCS Limited, The Point, 37 North Wharf Road, Paddington, London W2 1AG - or email comments to:

I, the Parish and some residents have more detailed plans of the site and proposals. Do please contact if you want further information. I would also welcome views from residents. All the best - Philip

Parish meeting, Easter Service and mast update

The day started very nicely in Star Anise cafe discussing SDC Regeneration policies with another Green councillor, then catching up on emails before the Randwick School Easter Service and fair then this evening's Parish meeting...read on for more info re that and the latest on the mast proposal.

Photo: Easter Service

The Easter service included a recorder group, the infants choir, singing and a play by class 3 of the Easter story - also it was announced that Head mistress Mrs Montecute has got to the finals in the SW best head teacher competition - huge applause erupted around the church - this was followed by an easter egg hunt - all the school children managed to find one each - then it was a fund raising fair in the school - wind too strong outside - I was once again on the "Play Your Cards Right" stall - at 20p a go we raised £5 on the stall.

Later in the evening I was nearly late for the Randwick Parish Council meeting - 12 residents came and asked questions about the traffic calming proposals and there were several strong objections to the proposed mast - see below. The rest of the meeting I was able to raise issues like grit bins (investigations underway about replacements), watercourse wardens (Parish have now appointed Jane Godsell), free running (my hopes for Stratford Park course and more locally), the cultural services review and more - the Parish covered many other issues - heard from Mort re the great news re the village hall possibly being the first carbon neutral hall in the District maybe even region - anyway they will be writing a report.

Mast proposals

See my blogs on 4th, 11th and 17th March - or click on Label below. Firstly I have to make a correction - a big one - the mast is not where I thought it was!! This is partly because I did not receive the map that others got. In my first blog on this topic I had a photo of the map where the entrance was - I assumed the mast was there - in fact it is much further away - see new map.

Photo: Map of mast site - Ash Lane is still marked there but the mast is in the fields

The good news is that it is further away from homes than I had thought - although we still do not know the direction of the beam - however none of this makes my objections any different. I still do not think it is in the right place - it is still visually intrusive.

This evening several residents made objections - the Parish had had 4 letters objecting but 3 verbal comments saying they did not mind. I noted my objections. When the Parish came to discuss the mast later in the meeting there was a lengthy discussion - noting that health concerns could not really be taken into account - a proposal to object to the mast was not accepted - a counter proposal was put forward - much less strong noting they want to see improvements to the designs (some masts are like trees), planning gain like a foot path and a more attractive entrance.

Photo: Taken from earlier blog - rather than showing mast site it shows changes proposed to the gateway

I was disappointed this was passed although I do not believe it completely rules out an objection in the future. I also emphasised concerns that a new gateway off Ash Lane could lead to people stopping there at night to eat their burgers, drink their lager and whatever else - sadly this occurs at several other similar sites - it would be better to gate up to the road and make vehicles stop in the road and then open the gate.

Anyway we now await Orange's decision - some residents tell me they are still thinking of starting a wider campaign to stop this mast - they are still very unhappy. For now we still want questions answered re alternative sites, direction of the beam etc.

Vodaphone mast for Carpenters Arms?

I have just heard about a proposal by Vodaphone to erect a five metre high mast in the top corner of the Carpenters Arms Car Park - the same as the one already installed the Prince of Wales in Cashes Green (see more re that one here).

Photo: Tree Woman of Standish woods

Consultation appears to be very limited at this time - unlike the one proposed at Ash Lane with Orange - myself and the Parish Council have not been informed and news has only come from a letter sent to a house on the opposite side of the footpath down from the Carps to Westrip Place. To date neither I nor the Parish have received comments either for or against - no doubt due to the lack of awareness of the proposal or possibly because it is in a less contentious site than that at Ash Lane (see here re the successful fight to reject the application for a mast at Ash Lane here). It is technically just outside my ward but what do folk feel about this? Do please email me.

Ward newsletter goes out

The last couple of weeks or so I have been out walking the local streets delivering my annual newsletter - a copy of most of the contents is below. I found it hard to pick what to put in the newsletter this year and ended up having to cut out lots of interesting stuff but hopefully it gives a flavour of what I am doing and this blog fills in the gaps...

This year I've had a couple of friends help deliver several streets as it takes some 18 hours to deliver the whole ward - all good stuff to keep me fit but also a great way to really see the ward - I walk about lots of it anyway but there are some corners that I rarely get to - it is also good to run into folk I've not seen in a while and meet new people....anyhow thanks for the emails and phone calls with issues, questions and support.

Photo: Leaflet delivering

Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill News Jan/Feb 2009 From your District Councillor Philip Booth

Dear Resident,

I wish you a happy and successful 2009. In this newsletter I hope to give a flavour of some of my activities as your local councillor over the last year.

I try my best to represent the views and interests of everyone in this ward and welcome hearing from you - so do please ring, write or email me with your thoughts, issues or concerns. Please bear in mind that while I usually respond very promptly, I do get a considerable number of queries each day.

Thanks to all in the ward who have supported me and to the local Green Party for funding this newsletter.

Cllr. Philip Booth,
Stroud District Councillor for Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill ward,
2 The Laurels, Bread Street, Ruscombe, Stroud GL66EL Telephone: 755451
Email: philip.booth2 (at) virgin.net

Blog voted 5th Best Green Blog

There is no easy way of regularly updating residents with what I am doing as your local councillor so when I was elected in 2006 I started a blog - an online diary with comments, copies of my letters to the press, info about meetings, campaigns, photos and more. There were over 640 entries last year alone and some 3,000 unique visitors each month - do please visit and consider leaving a comment.

See Philip’s blog at: http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com

Open Homes success

During a weekend in September over 750 visits were made to 12 homes in the Stroud area, including our ward, to see renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in action. In addition to this over 400 people visited Randwick Village Hall to see the eco-exhibitions and the official opening of the hall.

Photo: Philip at the opening of Randwick Village Hall - the first carbon neutral hall in the country. Huge congratulations to the Village Hall Committees for all their hard work over recent years to make this happen.

As coordinator of the Open Homes event I was blown away by the interest. Measures on show included wood pellet boilers, lime plasters, solar thermal, PV, green roofs, co-housing, rainwater harvesting, external insulation and more. I was delighted to get enthusiastic feedback for the project - and better still - news that many people, after seeing the homes, were planning actions to reduce their fuel bills and CO2 emissions. See more including information on grants at: www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk/

Some recent actions by your Councillor...

Council’s environmental targets - trying to ensure through my role on a Scrutiny committee that the District Council meets its environmental targets.

Action on fuel prices - I have sought more action by the District Council to prepare for forecast rising fuel prices like a pool cover for Stratford Park Leisure Centre and greater promotion of special tariffs for those facing financial difficulties.

Planning issues - taking action where people are having problems with the planning system or when inappropriate development is proposed.

Slowing traffic - along with the Parish Council I have sought to improve traffic safety by seeking County Council action on measures to reduce traffic speeds.

Ruscombe Brook - the action group I helped set up has had significant success in reducing sewage incidents in the brook and our approach has been reproduced by the other local action groups. We have seen improvements locally by Severn Trent, organised a morning clean-up of one section of the brook and are working with the District Council to see measures at Puckshole to reduce the occasional severe flooding there.

Stratford Road Bus shelter - for some time now I have been working to see a shelter put in place by Tesco outside their store. I have had a huge amount of correspondence over this and have a commitment from their developers for the shelter. However Tesco have delayed any action until March.

Telecom mast rejected - with residents, the Parish Council and others we successfully opposed a mast being erected near Ash Lane, Randwick.

Allotments wanted - we have a working group with Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish to explore finding a local site for allotments. As prices rise this is surely the best time to be growing more of our own food?

Basketball hoop - having managed to obtain a hoop following requests from younger residents I am now waiting a final decision by the Parish Council regarding siting on the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Playing Field.

Bank near Ash Lane saved - successfully helped residents campaign against a proposal by Highways to remove large parts of the roadside bank.

Building communities - after initiating a street party in Bread Street this summer with local residents I have supported other communities to plan their parties. I am also working with a local land owner to establish a community-run orchard. We have already had two very successful picking and juicing days this Autumn where much fun was had.

Road Gullies - I negoitiated with the County Council to see improvements at several key locations. However there are still clearly problems; do please let me know.

Recycling - trying to improve recycling and prevent the construction of a monster sized waste incinerator at Stonehouse.

Housing needs - support to people with various housing needs in the ward.

Wessex Water - I was appointed to represent the District Council on the Customer Liaison Panel and have already raised more issues than all other representatives on that panel.

Climate Change talks and articles - I have written regularly in the local press and spoken at several local groups including two churches about the threat of climate change. The science is clear that we need to act and act very quickly. Yet the prospects of climate change are very scary and many, including politicians, seem paralysed or unclear about what measures they can take. It is vital we all get the message across about what is possible; fear disempowers us but there are real signs of hope. We must all play our part in ensuring necessary actions are taken.

Parish AGM reports: a brief summary of what I have been doing

Both Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish and Randwick Parish have their AGM's on this Thursday 21st May 2009. As I will be at SDC's AGM I have sent a statement to them - see below - I had wanted to write more but all done in haste as meeting in Cheltenham tonight.

Photo: me outside Randwick Village Hall during the Open Homes weekend

Statement from District Councillor Philip Booth

Apologies that I cannot join you this evening for our Parish AGM. Tonight is also Stroud District Council’s AGM. The District Council meeting looks set to be interesting as many councillors are seeking answers as to how the District’s Housing Revenue Account could be overspent by £1.2m and why there are moves to curtail District councillors and Parish and Town Council powers to challenge local Planning applications.

Below I’ve included some of the local issues I’ve been working on during the last year - however first I wanted to start by saying a big thank you to all the Parish councillors and Parish Clerk for the great job they are doing.

Where to begin? Well I was delighted to find my Blog, Ruscombe Green, was voted in a national poll, 5th Best Green Blog. I started it when I was elected in 2006 - an online diary with comments, copies of my letters to the press, info about meetings, local events, campaigns, photos and more. There are over 1,800 entries and over 3,000 unique visitors each month. It has been a good way to keep in touch and debate with local residents. See it at: http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com

One highlight of the year was the Eco-renovation Open Homes weekend in September that I organised. Over 750 visits were made to 12 homes in the Stroud area to see renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in action. In addition to this over 400 people visited Randwick Village Hall to see the eco-exhibitions and the official opening of the hall. See more re this years plans for over 20 homes to open at: www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk/

Council’s environmental targets - I have been trying to ensure, through my role on a Scrutiny committee, that the District Council meets its environmental targets - and indeed improves those targets. Much is needed for example the future of Stratford Park is now being discussed yet in ten criteria used to evaluate delivery, sustainability was not even mentioned (it is now!). I am also sitting on a new small inquiry team looking to maximise funding from utility companies to tackle climate change.

Action on forecast fuel prices - Prices are fluctuating, but longer term they are set to rise. I have sought more action by the District Council to prepare for this, including pushing specific actions like a pool cover for Stratford Park Leisure Centre and greater promotion of special tariffs for those facing financial difficulties.

Planning issues - I’ve met a number of people locally and have tried to support them where they are having problems with the planning system or when inappropriate development is proposed. We managed to get rejected both the planned telecom mast near Ash Lane and a proposal by Highways to remove large parts of the roadside bank in Ash Lane.

Ruscombe Brook, Water and Flood action - I have just initiated and helped establish a forum of local flood and brook groups so that we can work more closely to ensure improvements to planning policy. Our local Ruscombe Brook Action Group that I helped set up still meets monthly and has successfully reduced sewage incidents in the brook. We have seen improvements locally by Severn Trent, organised a morning cleanup of one section of the brook and are working with the District Council to see measures at Puckshole to reduce the occasional severe flooding there. I have also been appointed to represent the District Council on the Wessex Water Customer Liaison Panel.

Allotments wanted - we have a Parish working group to explore finding a location for allotments. We are close to putting forward a proposal for a small site.

Basketball hoop - I managed to obtain a hoop following requests from younger residents, the Parish are now looking to install it in the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Playing Field.

Stratford Road Bus shelter - for some time now I have been working to see a shelter put in place by Tesco outside their store. Tesco have agreed but it still has not appeared: there is now a petition locally to see if we can encourage them to act.

Building communities - after initiating a street party in Bread Street last summer with local residents I have supported other communities to plan their parties. I am also working with a local land owner to establish a community-run orchard. We have already had two very successful picking and juicing days last Autumn. Events that bring people together are vital to communities and we are fortunate to have many in this Parish like the Pancake races, the amazing Wap and the excellent Whiteshill and Ruscombe Arts and Crafts Fair last Saturday.

County Council issues - I have also tried to support the Parish and address County Council issues like Slowing traffic - we urgently need traffic calming. The good news is that the ‘20 is Plenty’ scheme looks finally set to happen as a first step to more traffic calming (but not more humps!). Road Gullies and Grit bins - I negotiated with the County Council to see improvements at several key locations. However there are still problems like vandalised grit bins that lead to problems like salt getting into the local water courses.

Housing needs - support to people with various housing needs in the ward.

Recycling - calling on our Councils to improve recycling and prevent the construction of a huge waste incinerator at Stonehouse.

Climate Change talks and articles - I have written regularly in the local press and spoken at several local groups including two churches about the threat of climate change. The science is clear that we need to act and act very quickly. Yet the prospects of climate change are very scary and many, including politicians, seem paralysed or unclear about what measures they can take. It is vital we all get the message across about what is possible; fear disempowers us but there are signs of hope. We can all play our part in ensuring necessary actions are taken. I have just heard that my proposal for libraries to issue energy monitors like books has been accepted. A pilot will begin later this year so that people can borrow these and see how they can reduce their energy use and costs.

Other issues - I am also involved in a whole host of other issues locally including helping run the monthly Coffee House Discussions in Stroud where topics from the decline of bees to discussing tidal energy projects that are more sustainable than a barrage, getting the Rainbow Flag flying for Glos Pride, coordinating the Glos Safe Water Campaign, helping run a campaign to stop expansion of Gloucestershire Airport, supporting various Transition Stroud initiatives like a local currency and leading a weekly Woodcraft Folk group for 18 children aged 6 to 9.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have a query.

Cllr Philip Booth, Stroud District Councillor for Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill ward, 2 The Laurels, Bread Street, Ruscombe, Stroud GL66EL Tel: 755451 Email: philip.booth2@virgin.net

Parish Council meetings

Thursday saw a couple of parish meetings - one with the chair of Randwick as I will miss next week's Parish meeting and we wanted to catch up on stuff - then it was on to Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish where they had a presentation from Leyhill Prison Officers about the services they could provide to Parishes re the environment - fixing walls, clearing areas etc.

Photo: View of Highfield, Whiteshill

Here's some bits and pieces re those meetings:

- Parish councillor vacancies - Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish will have a vacancy for the Parish Council as Cllr Rob Walker is stepping down and Cllr Mark Rees is stepping down from Randwick Parish. The posts will be advertised soon.

- Lower Street repairs are completed and good - how many years did they take????!

- Concerns have been raised re a section of Bread Street where the road seems to have moved a bit. I have already written to Highways expressing concerns and requesting an investigation as part of the road slipped some years ago into a garden - it would be worse this time as it could be someone's living room.

- the Parish gave support to cover the road closure costs of the Bread Street party; many reasons but also it could be an opportunity to support the relaunch of the Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

- no further news on Orange's proposal for a mast at Ash Lane (see earlier blogs)

- Stroud Valleys Project - I alerted Parishes to the funding crisis and I think both will write letters of support to SVP (see earlier blog on this). I have also now also had conversations with SVP staff and others to see if other emergency funding can be found from the Town or District Council - the latter being more hopeful in that they have money that could make a difference - but both would be good - we cannot let this charity fold.

- I am still chasing up that boundary wall at Westrip Lane Hawthorne Rise / Red House Farm - it is leaning evermore dangerously and needs attention (see earlier blogs on this).

- The County's response re the footpath that comes out opposite the Randwick Scout Hut (next to Cashes Green School) on Cashes Green Road is unsatisfactory. They seem to imply that a route down that slope cannot be found - the alternative is to block it off with Colditz style fencing and force peopel around the long way - this is a route well used and could be made safer - I think the Parish are planning to push this more (see earlier blogs on this).

- The Right-of-way near the junction between Redhouse Lane and Westrip Lane has produced some anonymous comments on the previous entries regarding this - indeed most comments on the blog are anonymous as it is quickest and easiest to leave a comment like that - anyhow this writer makes some very useful points and having now spoken to the Parish Council about those points, they would be interested in still looking at ways an improvement can be found - I'm wondering if the anonymous comment may be able to phone or email me as I think it could be useful in progressing this: philip.booth2(at)virgin.net or 755451.

Anyway that is enough for now - minutes of the Parish meetings will be out soon.

Randwick phone mast likely to be rejected

Previous blogs have carried info on the proposed mast near Ash Lane (click on label below and scroll down for info) - officers at the District Council have recommended refusing planning permission - great news indeed.

Photo: view of mast site

The main reason SDC are rejecting are the lack of consideration of other suitable sites fails to demonstrate that this is the least visually intrusive. However along with my objection, both Randwick Parish and Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish objections there were also 11 members of the public objecting, a Highways objection, the Public Rights Of Way Officer objecting, the Cotswold Conservation Board objecting and the National Trust objecting. Well done indeed to all who have helped get us this far. We now await the verdict of the Development Control Committee on Tuesday - let us hope they take the officers advice - I personally cannot see how they could do anything other than that....

Details of Development Control Committee meeting on 9th September here. See Planning application details of Stroud District Council website here.

More must read local news

So much has been going on locally - here is a round-up of some..

Mast proposal - for near Ash Lane, Randwick - this was refused planning on Tuesday by the Development Control Committee as the company had not sufficiently considered alternative sites. Well done to all who have campaigned on this. However we will need to remain vigilant. I fear that a new application will not be long coming and they may well do their home work better this time. See more blogs on this here.

Basketball good news - after being contacted by younger Ruscombe residents keen to play basketball I have sought to get a hoop locally - especially as that part of this area has very little for that age group - previous blogs carry many of the twists and turns of this story but we are getting closer - local residents wrote along with me to save the hoops at Stratford Park - the hoop has been re-sited and there are now hopes for a half court to be built there - but I have managed to get the spare hoop for the Parish (see photo of hoop) - at a meeting this morning on Whiteshill playing field Parish councillors looked at possible sites - they still have to take findings back to their next meeting but things are looking v positive - I've emailed several folk tonight in the hope that we can also get it put up fairly soon - we'll see....

CuckooRow farewell concert - Stroud band CuckooRow (see previous blogs here) whose guitarist Freddie Whitacker lives in Farmhill are splitting up as the two girls go to University and Freedie moves to Cheltenham for work - catch them for the last time at the Fringe this weekend at the Prince Al;bert Inn, Rodborough on Friday from 8pm. Contact Lotte for details 755600.

The Healthy House - based in Ruscombe and set up in 1991 by Ruscombe residents Maxima and Don Skelton have developed a wonderful family business with everything for the healthy house incl electrical sensitivity, allegies and much more - see their website here with their new catalogue just out a couple of weeks ago: www.healthy-house.co.uk

Whiteshill Sunflower reaches 9ft 3in - Whiteshill resident and school child 7 year old Tabitha Copp planted the seed and nurtured it to it's current height - see photo in the SNJ with her Dad - owner of that great Stroud clothing shop Eclipse. Sid came to Stroud from Suffolk, and believes that fairtrade is the way to go. Eclipse was born in October 2002, and he sells with his partner Alicia to customers from 16 to 90 years old. The world's tallest sunflower was 25.5ft.

Whiteshill film-maker's success - Luke Wasylkiw, 19 first came to notice as a film-maker with his film The Ball in 2005 - set in Stroud it was a visual journey about a group of teens chasing a ball around a forest - he won with his brothers Damien, 31 and Johnny 26, the best-editing award at the Cotswold Film International Film Festival - since then he has composed the music for the behind the scenes film about the making of the Danny Boyle's 2007 Sci-Fi thriller Sunshine. Lots more has come since then - see some of his work here - plus he has even worked on a District Council video looking at the Minchinhampton intergenerational allotment project which is encouraging youths to grow veg. He is now looking for any local businesses who feel they could benefit from his work - email him on:
dj (at) wasylkiw.co.uk

Drew Wedding - Amy Elizabeth Drew, daughter of our MP, married Martyn David Pearce son of David and Lynda Pearce in Randwick (see photo). The SNJ report the couple spent their honeymoon in California and Hawaii before returning home to Dudbridge.

Cashes Green Hospital site photos wanted - don't forget the consultation on Saturday - see here for details and other events this weekend including Coffee Morning, Open Homes and Randwick Village Hall's opening. Jenny Bailey has appealed for photos of the early years of the hospital - apparently some photos have gone missing - if you have any info call her on 765705.

Coco Chic Beauty and Nail Salon opens - lastly good luck to a new local business near the Tesco Express at 143 Stratford Road in Paganhill. It is great to see this place in use - good luck to Leanne Townsend.

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish meeting

Well I was tired Thursday night - wanted to go and hear Paul Mobbs talking on Peak Oil - apparently packed out and great - then there was also a Cabinet meeting with several key items to be discussed - two or three other Greens were going to that and took my issues with them to raise so it was to the Parish meeting I went...I am not a Parish councillor but do get to meetings when they don't clash with District Council meetings...

Photos: recent hay making in Ruscombe valley - done by tractors - although The Telegraph report one Cornish farmer has, after fuel prices have risen 700%, replaced his tractor with oxen - see here.

Parish minutes will be out soon and on their website. No real further news on grit bins, ward name change, basketball, a Parish logo competition, mast at Ash Lane or Watercourse wardens job description. But here are a few of the issues discussed in their very full agenda that lasted until 10.00pm:


Well I wont go into stuff here in depth as the20 is Plenty: I fed back with Peter Hood, the Parish Councillor, progress at our recent meeting on this - see here.

Village Shop toilet: the Ruscombe and Whiteshill Village Shop (run by volunteers) had it's loo burnt down by vandals a while back (see previous blog). This loo is also available for daytime users of the Playing Field and other members of the public and not just the Community Shop and cafe. There has been a funding shortfall despite considerable efforts by the local Community and grants from the Parish, Help the Aged and others including some from insurers. It was good to hear that they now have the money - I had supported their queries to the District Council for funds but it was not possible in this financial year. Anyhow it will be great to have that rebuilt - well done to all who worked so hard.

Allotments in the Parish: 6 residents have now applied so the Parish has a legal duty to investigate whether they can provide them. If more in the Parish are interested in allotments please email the clerk: clerk@whiteshillandruscombe.org.uk

Verges: a brief discussion on how these can be maintained better in future - advice is due out soon from experts.

Phone box closures: as noted on this blog we are to loose the one at Ludlow Green - apparently only 32 calls last year and at Westrip - 53 calls last year. They are two of the 51 boxes proposed for removal. Most of the phone boxes take phone cards only and those phone cards are not always sold locally but they do reverse charge calls - although I've not tried and some say it is difficult to do? Certainly during emergencies, the mobile phone network can be come inundated - and a significant number of people in the community cannot afford to use their pay as you go phones to queue on hold to get key information for services - plus batteries of mobiles get flat etc. However so far I have not been approached by a single person re saving these boxes and no comments or emails left on this blog. However I still have a sad feeling that these proposed closures are another small loss to our communities. One Parish Councillor spoke out against the closures. For more information: www.stroud.gov.uk/payphone including an interactive map, and feedback form. There is also a hotline where people can ring and an information pack will then be sent (01453 754092). The first Consultation closes 14th July 2008. Final consultation commences 23rd July 2008 and closes 22nd August 2008. Final Notice published 3rd September. The process must be completed by 6th September or else we are advised the process is void.