Dear All,
Since our last newsletter, we have been in contact with the council and others about the methods they are making available for responding to the consultation.
Our main issue at this stage is how difficult they are making it for concerned members of the public to effectively have their voices heard. At the moment, there is simply the choice of filling out a lengthy online questionnaire, or completing a shorter form and sending it in by email or post.
We are hoping sense will prevail, but are not overly optimistic. Either way, in the coming weeks, we will aim to give you practical advice about the best way to participate.
To remind you where you can find the various pieces of information:
The full draft Local Plan is here:
https://www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/planning-and-building-control/planning-strategy/stroud-district-local-plan-review/local-plan-review-pre-submission-draft-local-plan-regulation-19-consultation-may-2021
The section referring to the Berkeley Cluster is here:
https://www.stroud.gov.uk/media/1485606/part-3e_pre-submission-draft-plan-2021_final-25-05-21.pdf
We are going through the proposals carefully to make sure we are marshalling all the key arguments. While we are awaiting definitive guidance on ways to participate in the consultation, you may want to start thinking about what case you want to make to the independent Inspector. We would suggest concentrating on issues of particular interest to you, eg the environment, transport, general lack of infrastructure, etc.
We will update our website with comments about the key issues as soon as possible.
Thanks once again for all your support. Please make sure your friends and family are fully aware of what is going on, and signed up for our newsletters or to our Facebook page, so that they get the latest advice.
Best wishes,
BaSRAG (Berkeley and Sharpness Residents’ Action Group)
Berkeley and Sharpness Residents Action Group (BaSRAG) 