Latest plans at 'derelict and neglected' Stroud site
FRESH plans have been lodged to transform a graffiti strewn grot spot on a key gateway to Stroud.
Proposals have been submitted to convert the former Bristol Street Motors showroom in London Road into a new convenience store which also includes plans for a new roof, shopfront and signage.
This is the second attempt to revitalise the graffiti strewn site described as a 'horrible, neglected eyesore' and which closed two years ago.
Previous plans to demolish the car dealership and build more than 30 homes were refused by Stroud District Council.
The new plans - for a store which would sell food, household products and more - also includes twenty parking spaces.
The proposals have been blasted by a leading figure who says he doesn't think there is enough demand for another convenience store, adding that the site should be used for housing.
Cllr Lucas Schoemaker, town and district councillor for Trinity ward, said:
'This site as it stands is a horrible, neglected eyesore and a visual blight on this key entrance into Stroud town centre.
'Something needs to be done with it and I would ideally like this site to be used for housing.
"However, we have heard nothing further from the potential developer whose earlier application was turned down for failure to meet SDC's affordable housing criteria.'
Cllr Schoemaker doesn't believe that there is enough demand for another store of this kind.
He said: 'The applicants say that the nearest similar stores are in Brimscombe and Bussage.
"They don't seem to have taken into account that both Waitrose and the existing BP petrol station are only a short walk away – and that a convenience store only recently opened in King Street, a short drive away.
'I want the applicants to share with local councillors evidence of public consultation and market research to show that there is indeed enough demand to justify this application. I'd also like to know which retailer would be operating the proposed store, as this is not mentioned in the application.
'I'm also concerned about the potential traffic issues, given that the store would be open for 11 hours every day of the week, and the site's proximity to a busy roundabout.
"Is the road wide enough for a right-turn lane?
"I fear the same issues as at Merrywalks, where the lack of a right-turn lane for McDonalds is leading to long tailbacks, frustrating for motorists and a real threat to our precious air quality which is always under threat in the Golden Valley.'
'The tree officer's request is spot on: that a proper tree impact survey is done to reassure the council that the trees will be protected during the proposed work.'
Cllr Schoemaker plans to 'call in' the application – meaning that it will be subject to a full discussion by councillors on the development control committee.
Meanwhile he urges residents to submit comments to the council by the deadline of July 1 so that their views are taken into account.
A statement - on behalf of the applicant - read: 'The provision of a convenience store on the east side of Stroud will fulfil the need for a store where customers will benefit from shorter cashier lines and longer opening hours selling food, grocery supplies, household products, hygiene products, toiletries, and other items similar to items on sale in larger supermarkets
'The nearest similar stores are at Brimscombe and the Tesco at Bussage.
'Twenty parking spaces including two staff and two accessible will be marked out in front of the building
'The building which has been unoccupied and boarded up since June 2023 provides a suitable location for a convenience store, with good access and adequate parking.'
The proposals were also due to be discussed by the Highways and Consultations Committee at Stroud Town Council on Monday.
In July 2023 Bristol Street Motors closed its doors for good - the site had been used for the motor trade for six decades.
See the plans - tinyurl.com/2v944xna
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