Transport
New publication: Our transport approach
‘Our Transport Approach’ document is now available to read on our website here. The document explains our approach and rationale to transport and movement at Sharpness Vale. The focus for Sharpness Vale is on a move away from the private car to sustainable transport to include increased public transport provision, a network of cycle, pedestrian and bridle paths and a re-opened railway line.
Bid for ‘Restoring your Railway’ fund
We’re continuing discussions with Stroud District Council (SDC), Vale of Berkeley Railway (VoBR) Charitable Trust, Network Rail and the Department for Transport (DfT) about the re-opening of the Sharpness Branch Line for passenger services, linking Sharpness to Gloucester.
SDC submitted a bid in tandem with Sharpness Development LLP and the VoBR Charitable Trust for the first round of the “Restoring your Railway” fund. The DfT has now provided encouraging feedback requesting further information so that the proposals can be considered in further rounds of funding for the “Restoring your Railway” initiative or through other funding mechanisms. We are continuing our work and dialogue with DfT and other relevant parties and preparing further information in support of the proposals.
Network Rail
Our positive discussions with Network Rail continue. Work on a capacity study for the reintroduction of services on the Sharpness branch is underway
Education
We are engaging with Gloucestershire County Council’s Education Department and SDC to ensure that there’ll be enough education provision to serve the new community. Sharpness Vale will include land for new primary schools and a secondary school.
Local Plan
Sharpness Vale is a draft allocation in the Stroud District Draft Local Plan. Our proposals are for a mixed used development including 2,400 homes by 2040 as well as a 10 hectare business park, with an eventual total number of 5,000 homes, to help meet the district’s housing and employment needs. We’re intending to submit a planning application in 2021 and we will engage the local community in this process from early on.