Place Partnering Diagnostic Visit Stroud

3 4 November 2011

The Academy of Urbanism | Place Partnering | Stroud | 

Contents
Background Local Context Diagnosis 03 05 06

Recommendations 15 Appendix 1 Appendix 2 19 20

The Academy of Urbanism 70 Cowcross Street London ECM 6EJ info@academyofurbanism.org.uk +44 (0) 20 725 8777 academyofurbanism.org.uk

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Background

.. The Academys Place Partnering programme offers places selected as finalists in the Academys Great Places awards the expertise and experience of Academicians to help them tackle obstacles to longer-term and broader success. It is offered as a diagnostic service, to help, encourage and challenge the diverse interests that influence the success of places to recognise and tackle the issues and opportunities that are of greatest importance. (A copy of the prospectus for participating places is at Appendix two.) .2. The visit to Stroud was initiated by representatives of community/business groups in the town keen to see the momentum achieved in relation to current projects maintained and broadened. In early conversations with the Academy, local representatives recognised the potential value of an independent perspective on the many and diverse activities and initiatives by which the town is becoming recognised to help focus and prioritise the energy and resources of public bodies, local groups and individuals. .. Aware of the range of initiatives and projects already running in the town, the Academy suggested that a preparatory meeting be held to draw together local perspectives as far as possible into discrete areas of interest to help the Academy Panel to direct its attention and advice as efficiently and effectively as possible. .4. Aware also of tension between some of the community-based organisations and the statutory authorities, the Academy discussed the proposed visit with official and elected representatives of Stroud District Council (SDC). This helped to establish a broader understanding of the issues in advance of the visit, and secure the active participation of SDC and Stroud Town Council. .5. The visit was on  and 4 November 20. The Academy Panel comprised a chairman, a rapporteur, and three panel members. They met a total of 20 representatives from the District Council and local organisations. The people involved are listed in Appendix One. All the sessions were open, and the presentations by, and questioning by the Panel of, all those who participated was in open session. In the interest of continuing open discussion, opinions and positions are not directly attributed, and this report reflects the tone and intention of what was said by all. .6. The conversations we had were friendly and helpful. They were also rigorous and challenging. Panel members, through a total of 2 hours of intensive engagement with Stroud representatives, gained a sufficient understanding of circumstances to offer a reasoned assessment of the relationship between the various perspectives and objectives, and their chances of a successful outcome. The conduct and productivity of the Panel sessions were widely acknowledged by those involved, and we trust this report will be similarly received. The Academy wants to ensure that its involvement is helpful, and will present its diagnosis locally, if invited, at the appropriate time.

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Local context

2.. Strouds history is well-documented and remarkable. Its character as an industrial centre on the edge of the Cotswold, with many mills served by the streams of the five valleys, is now little more than historic, but it retains a diverse economy that has protected it (so far) from the worst of the recession. 2.2. Over the past generation it has attracted a large number of new residents drawn by its remarkable physical character and location, its relative affordability within a high property value area, and the publicity of its radical politics, creative industry and sustainable lifestyle. 2.. While its external reputation may be influenced to a large extent by the activities of these incomers, there is a settled traditional population too. It seems that this sector of the community is not as actively involved in local public life. This is not unusual, but it seems to be particularly so in Stroud, perhaps because of the large number and diversity of groups and issues being thrashed out in public. 2.4. Its physical environment is characterised by its proximity to the open countryside that is visible from just about every point in the town. The valley setting influences the layout of the settlement as well as the transport links that connect its various communities and the town as a whole to the wider world. These remarkable natural characteristics dominate the built environment. Although there are many fine historic buildings, reflecting past prosperity and importance, and attractive formal and incidental green spaces, the town does not have the physical qualities that some of its neighbours boast. 2.5. That in part reflects the modest economy of the town and income of its residents. The issue led to the commissioning of a Public Realm Strategy in 2008, that provided a comprehensive analysis of the potential for improving the physical character of the town. The fact that this strategy has not been adopted formally, or been followed by an implementation plan, reflects perhaps the relatively low priority attached to it by the community as a whole, and the lack of resources, both public and private, available to implement it. 2.6. That is not to say there is no interest. Quite the reverse. There is a plethora of groups and individuals pressing the case for specific projects. These tend however to be self-contained and self-motivated. The Panel noted that some of the people and groups attending the Panel sessions had not met recently, or in some cases, ever.

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Diagnosis

.. The diversity of interests and the need for a co-ordinated approach to planning the future of Stroud is reflected in the different ways that issues were combined in preparation for the Panels visit. Since the visit was first mooted we have been offered perspectives based on projects, on economic sectors and on communities of interest. In the end, we heard from individuals speaking for themselves, from groups promoting projects or lifestyle choices, and from elected representatives and public officials. This diversity of engagement was quickly recognised by the Panel as one of the principal characteristics of Stroud; a strength and a challenge. .2. We present our analysis and assessment of Strouds condition under two headings community and projects. This reflects the Panels perception of these as the defining features of Stroud today, and the order reflects the importance that those to whom we spoke seem to give them. The diagnosis offered is agreed by all members of the Panel; there was no dissent on any of the issues we address in this report. 3.3. Community ... From the outset, the local people we met acknowledged the divide between those that were actively engaged in shaping the future of Stroud, and those that werent. They also recognised that this generally reflected a distinction between incomers, who are very strongly represented among the activists, and native Stroudies, the great majority of whom seldom get involved. When we explored the significance of this, those to whom we spoke felt that while broader participation would be a good thing, it was not a major issue or constraint. A number of people referred to a community planning exercise in 996 that had engaged a large number around 400 people and had some subsequent success, not least in securing the towns cinema (while the building is generally acknowledged to be pretty dreadful, the facility is highly appreciated). Since 996, it seems that participation has been patchy, but that community activity, and indeed activism, has increased significantly among a minority with strong links to wider political, environmental, business and cultural networks. ..2. Strouds current reputation for local activism and community enterprise has grown since the sit-in around 980 to protect buildings in the High Street threatened by demolition. The latest is the campaign against the new gyratory system introduced with the new A46 bridge over the canal. The rapid deployment of local opinion backed up with expert support may be represented either as an over-reaction to necessary traffic management changes, or as interest and positive engagement of the community in improvements to their town. We will return to this later.

... For a town the size of Stroud (around 0,000 with its contiguous valley settlements) the number of groups representing issues, projects and cultural and creative activities is remarkable. This reflects the unusual level of activism and creativity among its population and the energy this generates for local activity. Some of this is directed at the local economy, some at the environment and some at the promotion of national and global efforts to improve our quality of life and global sustainability. That energy is harnessed and co-ordinated to some extent by pan-Stroud and pan-global groups such as Stroud Town Council, Stroud Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Stroud Commonwealth and Transition Towns. The Panel felt that it could still be more efficiently directed and used with a better prioritisation and co-ordination of projects and issues. There seems to be a tendency for each new issue to spawn a new group to pursue it. Using existing groups and networks could be more efficient and effective. We will return to this too. ..4. The propensity for direct engagement by local people has strengthened the differentiation between the activists and democratically elected bodies, in particular the District and Town Councils. Although there have been some good examples of cooperation, such as the securing of a cinema for the town, both sides tend to characterise the other negatively. The local authorities tend to be considered slow and unimaginative by the activists, who may in turn be seen as obstructive and belligerent by the Councils. The Place Partnering Panel sessions began to shift the focus to the energy resource provided by the activists, and the access to resources and statutory powers of the Councils. A greater willingness to work with the strengths of the statutory and informal approaches to improving Stroud could make a huge difference. See later. ..5. The non-statutory groups have a further dimension, which can perhaps most closely be defined as spirituality. Not necessarily in the religious sense although this is historically an area rich in non-conformism but the commitment of groups and individuals to improving the quality of life in Stroud connects to ethical principles that are of increasing interest to a growing constituency. The spread of this among the residents of Stroud may be difficult to discern, but is important to visitors who may be inspired or just intrigued by its representation in places, in art and crafts, and in festivals and other events.

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..6. The Panel heard of the impressive efforts being made by Stroud College to promote positive social attitudes as well as academic and vocational skills. Its ambitions are impressive. The role of the College in promoting a broader engagement in the towns cultural and geo-political activities could exploit the possibly reducing distinction between Stroudies and incomers among young people, as was suggested to the Panel during the evening session of its visit. ..7. The strong relationship between the College and the adjacent Museum will be an important addition to the range of activities available to visitors as well as local people. Their location outside the town centre may reduce its attraction to visitors, although better pedestrian links could help. ..8. Both institutions have experimented with activities in the town centre, with mixed success. The Panel felt this was worth pursuing. ..9. Visitors are an increasingly important part of the Stroud community. The town has not been a traditional destination for tourists visiting this part of England, and does not have the romantic and historic character of Roman Cirencester, medieval Tetbury or Regency Cheltenham, but its growing number of distinctive lifestyle projects and businesses are interesting to domestic and overseas visitors desperate for new sights and experiences. The Stroud Special rail service piloted by First Great Western in 20 is evidence of the growing recognition of Stroud as a destination. The tourist offer in the wider area of the Cotswolds is come and see our streets; our buildings; our countryside; our historic sites. The offer from Stroud to come and see us, is really distinctive. ..0. Strouds festivals, such as the International Textile Festival, have a growing reputation. The energy of the bodies and individuals associated with them suggests that if more space were available in the town centre, there would be no shortage of takers. The District Council expressed a desire to see the Sub Rooms better used and stronger links to the Museum could be re-opened. Closer co-operation between agencies, artists, performers and the Town and District Councils would improve local cultural provision and stimulate further creative and visitor-orientated enterprises. Council resources for additional staff are not likely to be significant, but higher profile activities offer potential for local commercial sponsorship, particularly as there are a variety of creative and arts-based enterprises locally. This could further raise the profile of Stroud as a significant business location and opportunity for investment. ... Strouds markets are also drawing visitors from increasing distances. With virtual shopping and digital entertainment increasingly common, the opportunity to combine the appreciation of diverse arts and creative activities, with shopping for locally produced food and items, provides a positive theme for local co-operation. ..2. The focus of the Panel was on the centre of Stroud, and the wider settlement by association. Stroud and the five valleys includes many places with which local people identify as discrete places, such as Thrupp and Chalford. While insularity of communities will not help to promote greater engagement in the activities of Stroud, the positive aspects of this local identity has to be accommodated in the identity of Stroud as a whole, and celebrated as a characteristic of the town. The various organisations and events could acknowledge this better. The contiguous Parish Councils of Brimscombe and Thrupp, Chalford, Bisley, Rodborough, Painswick and Cainscross all have a border with Stroud Town and should share in promoting greater Strouds character and attractions. Thrupp and Chalfords membership of the Canals Consultative Group is an example.

... Tourism will inevitably take advantage of Strouds remarkable setting within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Strouds countryside is seen by some as its second most important asset. To visitors that is definitely going to be the case. We will consider the potential for visitor accommodation in the town later, but accommodation consistent with new-age, alternative, spiritual lifestyle aspirations is already being served by rural accommodation whether farm B&B, country hotels or cabin/yurt-based glamping. These will be increasingly important and valuable in the future. ..4. Stroud is not a prosperous town, but its diverse economy has protected it from the worst effects of the recession. The Panel did not discern a strong desire among statutory or other bodies for the regeneration and growth that seems to obsess many communities. Stroud seems to be pretty comfortable with itself, without being in any way complacent. Renishaw and Ecotricity are established in, and seem to be committed to, the Stroud area. They are growing highly skilled and high added-value businesses in sectors with substantial growth potential. They may attract similar and complementary businesses to the area in time, if suitable sites and premises are available. ..5. The Pangolin Art Foundry is the largest and best known arts related business in the area, but there are many others. These are, with a few exceptions, small businesses and independent artists and craftspeople, but they help to give Stroud a distinctive economic profile that is reflected in the shopping and commerce of the town. There is scope for raising this profile. ..6. The strength of alternative and new age attitudes is reflected in the types of businesses. The Panel heard of co-operatives, community interest companies, coownership schemes, a LETS (Local Exchange Trading System), and a Transition Towns initiative. These may not generate great wealth, but they will strengthen the resilience of the local economy to the uncertain times ahead. Established community enterprises may offer models for other communities to follow, and Stroud may attract interest from other places seeking to follow its example. ..7. Strouds variety of festivals could be better co-ordinated and marketed, and the Panel heard of restricted and inadequate venues. The Panel heard calls for a publicly-funded Arts Development Officer. That may be difficult in the current straitened times, but with all the voluntary energy flowing around Stroud, a greater willingness among the diverse agencies to work together and offer mutual support may be sufficient. We make some suggestions later about facilities, but festival promotion and management is an area where the organisations involved might be able to work more closely together.

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3.4. Projects .4.. Some projects that triggered community-based action in Stroud are now well-established Withyes Yard, the Farmers Market, Shambles Market, Made in Stroud, the Stroud International Textile Festival and many others. Others are relatively new The Weave and The Stroud Special, are in their development stages. The largest is the Stroudwater Canal project. That such an ambitious project, to ultimately re-connect the Severn and the Thames, should have got to the stage it has with the first phase approaching completion, and the second stage with funding close to being secured is a testament to the tenacity of the community, the statutory authorities and the funding agencies. Completion may be a long way off, but the project has now generated its own momentum, and successive stages will become easier. The possibility of attracting major investment from water companies with the potential for water transfer via the canal has been around for at least 20 years. That may suggest it is either not achievable or just too complicated, but whether it takes 0 years or 0 years, the Panel expects the project to sustain public and institutional interest. In the meantime, the restored water space will provide a public facility and a setting for new development. .4.2. The development sites on the south facing slope between the Station and the canal (the McGee site and the former wharf) offer the opportunity for distinctive and well-designed buildings at the main gateway to the town centre. The Panel heard ideas for a hotel, pub and public space which could be good, depending on the quality of development. Stroud will have to be realistic. The location next to a major road junction is unlikely to attract an upmarket boutique hotel, and a two/three-star budget hotel is unlikely to create the ambience that would meet the aspirations of local interests for this important site. .4.. Those objecting to the layout of the new gyratory associated with the restoration of the canal and the realignment of the A46 have already prepared a plan showing how better use could be made of associated public space. A more radical approach could accommodate additional development to screen the canal side from the road traffic and create higher quality public spaces and facilities. This would have greater impact if the opportunity were taken to relocate Travis Perkins and redevelop that opportunity site between the canal and the main road. All these sites, plus the Brimscombe Port site, could then have the critical mass necessary to transform the environment and setting of the canal and reduce the dominance of the roads. The Panel did not have the opportunity to question the County Council, but it seems that the scope for improvement to this part of town could have been exploited better when the road improvements were carried out if there had been greater local involvement and a little more imagination. .4.4. The canal project is already spawning others, such as the Visitors Centre and the Lockkeepers Caf. The imminent occupation of the adjacent former Stroud and Swindon Building Society building by Ecotricity will add to the impetus for further change in this area. The establishment of the Stroud Against the Gyratory group was both a reflection of the strength of local feeling regarding what is a pretty prosaic traffic management scheme, and a potential source of energy for achieving something better. Closer cooperation with the County Councils Highways team could yet secure space for new development and better pedestrian and cycle routes into the town centre.

The Academy of Urbanism | Place Partnering | Stroud | 

.4.5. The Stroud Farmers Market is now an institution rather than a project, with a regional if not national reputation. It remains a Saturday morning only event however, and there should be scope for extending its duration and capacity to cover a wider range of sustainable produce and products. The location and design of the market facility are sub-optimal, and there may be scope for some adaptation, better signage and improved links with other parts of the town. Markets have become a fashionable addition to the retail offer of many towns, and many are copies of each other. Stroud can claim betterestablished credentials, and with its existing traders, organisations and their contacts, it should be able to attract more traders with a distinctive offer in food, art and crafts that could sustain more market days. .4.6. The public realm strategy for the town centre prepared four years ago goes well beyond the physical treatment of public spaces and covers land use matters and development opportunities. It is close to a Town Plan, but is not adopted as statutory planning policy, or as supplementary guidance, and there seems not to be the necessary commitment to implementing its recommendations by the District Council, or by the County Council as Local Highway Authority. .4.7. The pedestrianisation of the High Street and other parts, and the 20mph speed limit make the town centre a fairly comfortable place for locals and visitors once they have left their cars. The quality of the public realm is patchy, however, and better materials design and use of public space would make a significant difference. .4.8. The station area has already been identified locally as an area requiring major improvement, and with the dualling of the railway through Stroud, the Panel would expect the station owners (First Great Western) to make this investment, and at the same time stimulate investment in the buildings and sites around it. .4.9. The High Street surfacing is worn out and needs replacing. The Panel was told that this is not a priority for the GCC as Highway Authority, but, like the public realm strategy, this long term objective will help to prioritise public and private sector funding as it becomes available. Whenever it happens, it must be done in good quality materials and this will not be cheap. The cost could be spread over several years with an incremental scheme, but this would be more expensive overall and could be disruptive. Costs could be reduced by concentrating high quality surfaces in the areas of greatest pedestrian activity, and using well-designed and well-laid asphalt in areas of shared or vehicular use. .4.0. More could be made of Strouds best buildings. The Sub Rooms is a fine building that could be better used. The Panel heard criticisms that it was too expensive and inflexible, leading to under use. The willingness of the District Council to look into this and find ways of encouraging greater use is welcome. The Rooms could become a visual as well as a cultural focal point for the town by extending the square in front of it across the roads on its three sides improving its setting and providing more space for open air events. The traffic management implications of this would need to be evaluated, but vehicular access, possibly restricted, might still be allowed across the square at quiet times. .4.. Other buildings, such as the Arts and Science Building and Stroud House would benefit from better use and improvements to their settings.

.4.2. Street furniture in Stroud is not bad, and some bollards, finger posts and cycle racks have been made and funded locally, with a detail representative of the five valleys. But they are not particularly distinctive or consistent. There is little public art. With a fine museum and gallery in Stratford Park, a host of artists and makers in the vicinity, and local foundries, the public areas of Stroud town centre could be a laboratory, proving ground and shopfront for new public art and street furniture with a distinctive character that draws from Strouds industrial and artisanal history. .4.. Better lighting of individual and groups of buildings at night would draw attention to Strouds distinctive features and offer opportunities for public art that could encourage more, and a wider range of people into the town in the evenings. The Lloyds Bank building is an example of what can be achieved with modest resources. Strouds better buildings, with a more creative approach to lighting their exteriors at night, could be really spectacular. Modern lighting technology can illuminate features without spill or glare, and using little energy.

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Recommendations

4. Over the 24 hours of the visit, the Panel heard of the plans, projects, aspirations, and expectations of over 20 representatives of statutory and non-statutory agencies, business, voluntary groups, and their individual perceptions and opinions. Their combined experience, expertise and energy will provide the driving force for Stroud in the near future. The Panel here offers its recommendations. These do not comprise a strategy or a vision for Stroud that is for the local participants to work on but ways in which these energies might best be harnessed. Mapping relationships 4.2. There are many community-led or community-orientated initiatives and existing partnerships that cross public/private/voluntary sector boundaries. It would be helpful if the representatives of these bodies could meet and together map their relationships with:

their beneficiaries/members; each other; local businesses; local government; the activities/services they provide; their mission/objectives; the spaces/facilities they currently use or would like to have; their income / funding sources This would not only log all the activities of, and the connections between, the diverse groups, but would draw attention to complementary, overlapping or conflicting relationships that may help or hinder progress.

4.. The exercise may suggest that as much, or more, could be achieved with fewer groups. The Panel heard during its visit the view that those currently involved should be willing to give up some control in the interests of increasing the effort available for action rather than organisation. If this is possible and reasonable, it could achieve better focus on agreed priorities.

4.4. It will also be worth mapping the physical assets, spaces and facilities in the town beyond those of the groups involved, and who owns and manages them. The Panel heard much of assets that could be used more creatively and that would benefit from local activists adding their energies to help make them work for the groups and the communities they serve. Reconciling statutory and other responsibilities 4.5. The value of the Panel visit was strengthened enormously by the presence and enthusiastic involvement of the Town and District Councils. The District Council explained its statutory responsibilities and position succinctly and with evident appreciation of the legitimacy of the other interests around the table. They were able to set their ability and willingness to work for a better Stroud town in the context of their wider responsibilities for the District as a whole. 4.6. The Town Council demonstrated its growing credibility as a democratically elected body that reflects the radical opinions and actions of many of the groups represented. The Town Council is in a position to act as a bridge between community action and governmental bodies, local and wider, where this would be useful (it wont always be necessary). This will involve some sharing of power and influence, and releasing the proprietorial hold of some individuals and groups on particular issues and activities, but it will help to focus on the complementary aspects of formal and informal courses of action, rather than concentrating on their differences, which appears to have dominated relationships in the past. 4.7. The re-establishment of the Stroud Concordat is a promising indicator of future co-operation. The Panel didnt meet County Council representatives, but its participation will be essential. The commitment shown by elected representatives of the District and Town Councils, and the local MP, Neil Carmichael, should help press this home with County counterparts. The next generation 4.8. The Panel received presentations from a fairly limited cross-section of the Stroud community. This was not a bad thing, and as many acknowledged, almost inevitable. Many pointed to initiatives to engage and enthuse young people in the towns future as well as their own. The enthusiastic involvement of the Youth Council was a good example. 4.9. It should be possible to reduce the current distinction between incomers and Stroudies over successive generations, and the assumption that local people are not interested must not be allowed to become an orthodoxy. The involvement of the schools and Stroud College in town matters is already a positive force, and should be pursued and developed. Facilities in the town centre to accommodate young peoples activities and activism will help to foster broader engagement in the longer term. 4.0. Involving schools, the college, the Youth Council and other young peoples groups in the mapping exercise would be one way of incorporating them in the process.

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Promoting development 4.. The Panel was also introduced to an array of recent, current, future and aspirational projects and potential development sites. A further mapping exercise showing their: location in context; size and extent; planned/proposed/potential uses; ownership; constraints;

could provide the briefing material for a developers day inviting to Stroud the kind of developers who would find investment in Stroud an interesting and profitable opportunity; showing them the opportunities and providing the essential information that will stimulate their interest and encourage them to explore further. (The Academy may suggest developers to whom such an approach could be made.) 4.2. The Panel concentrated its attention on the town centre, but during the visit references were made to housing needs and pressures, and opportunities in the wider area to meet future demand of housing and jobs. The hosting of potential developers could be split into town centre and wider opportunities, or residential and commercial development, depending on the results of the mapping exercise. 4.. The D model of Stroud currently being produced by students at UWE will be an important asset for this and other exercises. A physical as well as a virtual model will help local people and visitors appreciate: the singular character of Stroud at the confluence of the five valleys; the influence this has had on its history; and the ways in which topography and history can inform new development that acknowledges its context to be popular as well as commercially successful. 4.4. This will help press home the importance of the gateway sites in particular, and strengthen the District Councils commitment to securing well-designed development of these sites. Improving the public realm 4.5. The public realm strategy requires an implementation plan. The resources available may mean that this can only be a long term, incremental plan, but local commitment to making a start will help to draw the key partners, such as the County Council and First Great Western, into co-operation. The Panel understands that a restricted palette of locally appropriate materials has been agreed with local groups, which provides a sound basis. The next step could be to Identify locations for locally commissioned public art and street furniture that could lift the character of the town centre in the eyes of local people and visitors. The key will be getting the balance right too little and no-one will notice, too much and it will look cluttered and amateur.

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4.6. The key public spaces of the Cornhill and Shambles markets, the Sub Rooms and the railway station offer the basis for prioritising investment and action. Significant improvement to their utility and attractiveness will however require further traffic management, and this will be controversial, at least in the short term. Visiting places that have been through similar circumstances can help ease local apprehensions. The Academy can offer examples. 4.7. The Panel heard that part of Strouds distinctiveness comes from the outstanding countryside within which it sits, and which is visible from the heart of the town. Stroud has always been a country town, and this identity can be strengthened through the design, orientation and layout of public spaces and routes to maintain the visual and emotional connection. The canal 4.8. The restoration of the canal and its connections to the east and west has become totemic for most of the people the Panel met on its visit. It is a long term project that has established sufficient momentum to carry most people along with its ultimate ambition. This may be a long way off, but in the meantime the restored section in Stroud will be a symbol of that ambition. The human and financial investment already made deserves the best possible development along its banks. The sites identified should not be squandered on the first proposal that comes along. Preparing detailed planning briefs for these sites, involving the all the statutory and local interests, will help to attract development with the appropriate qualities. Improving pedestrian connections between the canal and the town centre will help spread the economic benefits of new development more widely, and stimulate interest in other sites. Quality of development 4.9. Participants expressed disappointment on a number of occasions at the poor quality of design of some recent development in Stroud. If this is to be avoided in future, there must be a concerted effort by all interests to ensure that the local plan sets and demands high standards. Interpretation of quality differs, but there is a wealth of guidance available, published by CABE and other bodies over the last decade, that can help promote and express local characteristics and expectations unequivocally, and provide a robust basis for ensuring developer compliance with locally agreed standards. Such standards, possibly enshrined in an Action Plan for the centre of Stroud, would provide the basis for planning briefs and possibly architectural design competitions for the main sites. The South West Design Review Panel can help monitor and evaluate proposals. The Panel appreciates that demanding good design through the planning process is not the obvious solution that many assume, but policies and guidance that assert higher design standards, backed up with a commitment to enforcing them, may in time make the task easier. 4.20. To incorporate the requirement for high quality design into local planning legislation under the Localism Bill, policies need to be drafted in simple English in a manner that can be understood by, and consulted upon with, the public so that they can be adopted by the District Council and supported on appeal. 4.2. Stroud has inherited a good heritage of buildings from previous periods. It is the responsibility of current citizens to ensure that tomorrows development will be similarly valued as heritage in the future.

Appendix 
The Academy of Urbanism Panel Derek Latham Steven Bee Sophia de Sousa Chris Oldershaw Bernie Foulkes Local Participants Neil Carmichael MP Max Comfort Robin Cockcroft Ellis Alan Ford Carole Garfield Kardien Gerbrands Pete Gilbert Beri Hare Richard Keating Val Kirby Martin Large Clare Mahdiyone Mayor John Marjoram Cllr Keith Pearson Simon Pickering Steve Roberts Cllr Ben Spencer Pippa Stroud Dawn Timbrell Lizzi Walton Kevin Ward Barry Wyatt Debbie Young The WEAVE Stroud Youth Council Project Stroud Stroud Chamber of Commerce and Trade Stroud Farmers Market Stroud District Council Stroud College The WEAVE Stroud Common Wealth Stroud Valleys Projects Stroud Town Council Stroud District Council Ecotricity September Festivals Organiser Stroud Town Council Stroud District Council International Textile Festival Stroud Museum Stroud District Council Stroud District Council Chair Rapporteur

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Appendix 2
The AcAdemy of UrbAnism PLACE PARTnERInG DIAGnOSTIC vISITS
An invitation to the Academys Urbanism Award Finalists
The Academy of Urbanism The Academy is an active, not-for-profit membership organisation founded to expand our collective understanding of placemaking and to share best practice. The Academy brings together a leading group of thinkers, decision-makers and practitioners involved in the social, cultural, economic, political and physical development of our villages, towns and cities across Great Britain, Ireland and increasingly, international countries. We aim to advance the understanding and practice of urbanism by promoting a culture of scholarship through evidence-based enquiry, providing an inclusive dialogue across all disciplines, sharing knowledge with the community and our peers and nurturing, recognising and rewarding excellence in achievement. Securing Long Term Success Representatives of some of those places that have been nominated as Finalists in The Academy of Urbanisms annual Awards for Great Places have expressed a desire for more advice and support to secure the long term success of their place, and/or expand their range of activity. The Academy is keen to respond, and is establishing a panel of Academicians from which a small group with appropriate and complementary experience will visit a place neighbourhood, town, city quarter to help local representatives establish a comprehensive and objective appreciation of what makes their place special. What we can offer The time, energy and money that you invest in your places future must not be wasted pursuing unrealistic or unsustainable goals. We can help you build confidence and engagement throughout the local community, and the best chance of support for and success of your vision. The Academys panel will engage with key local people to stimulate and challenge ideas. It will produce a diagnostic report of your places strengths and any immediate and wider threats to sustaining them. It will present its suggestions to you and the local community to answer questions and stimulate further debate. We expect our input to be the start of something, not the end. The Panel will not tell you what you should do. Their intensive input will help you ensure that your vision, aspirations and plans for the future are sound, and that you are aware of the internal and external pressures that might compromise them. Their insight will give you confidence that you are making the most of your human and environmental assets. The Agreement Once a commission has been accepted, the Academy will offer an initial consultation with the lead Academician appointed to curate your project; to define the brief, establish expectations, and agree outputs. You will appoint a lead representative to liaise and co-ordinate with the lead Academician. Up to three days of each panel members time will be offered free of charge. You will cover visiting Academicians travel, accommodation and subsistence costs and make a contribution to the Academys costs, all of which is likely to total between 2,500 - 3,500. Further help may be possible by negotiation and agreement with the Academy. You will provide adequate preparatory information in advance, additional information as reasonably requested, and access to key partners and local representatives. Advice will be offered by the Academy in good faith, but neither the Academy nor you are bound by the advice, and you will accept full responsibility for acting on the advice offered. Participating places will be helped to partner with the Academys growing network of Great Places directly, and through Academy events and other initiatives. Register your Interest Please register your interest in the programme by contacting Stephen Gallagher by emailing sg@academyofurbanism.org.uk or by phone on +44 (0)20 7351 8777. The Academy of Urbanism 70 Cowcross Street London EC1M 6EJ info@academyofurbanism.org.uk www.academyofurbanism.org.uk