Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council
A busy constituency schedule began with a meeting in Moreton-in-Marsh. It is inevitable in the week that Cotswold District Council (CDC) passed the Chesterton application of 2,350 houses that planning issues have dominated constituents’ concerns.
In Moreton, I met with Lord Dulverton, County Cllr Nigel Moor and Town Cllrs Tom Lewis and Michael Lucas. The meeting reviewed the projected increased housing needs in the town, some queried why this level of growth is necessary. I explained that the Government’s recently revised housing needs assessment criteria will significantly increase the number of affordable housing that CDC must provide in its local plan. Realistically, the two towns in the Cotswolds that are able to sustain significant housebuilding are Moreton-in-Marsh and Cirencester because of their size and facilities.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown at Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council
This prompted a discussion about future infrastructure, such as car parking, traffic, the need for a bypass, improvements to the railway bridge and urgently needed repairs to the Redesdale Hall. I was also asked to give an update on my campaign for a national park.
Stow-on-the-Wold Town Council
I then moved further south to Stow-on-the-Wold for a meeting with District Cllr Dilys Neill and Town Cllrs Ben Eddolls and Alun White. The main concern in the town was the fact three elderly care homes have recently been granted planning permission.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown at Stow-on-the-Wold Town Council
This raises two issues. Firstly, there is only limited land that can be developed for housing, particularly affordable housing. Secondly, there is no Section 106 money from elderly care homes available to upgrade Stow-on-the-Wold’s infrastructure. The Library and Town Hall are both in need of critical funding. As a result, I have taken this matter up with the Housing Minister. In both Moreton and Stow, I urged them to consider drawing up a Neighbourhood Plan so that CDC is aware of their priorities.
Kingswood Lodge Care Centre
Moving even further south, I visited the Kingswood Lodge Care Centre where I was a given a very good tour of the residential and nursing facilities by the manager, Jana Vaskova, these all looked extremely clean and well-run.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown with care home staff
The main concern discussed was that because of the care home’s location, being a mile or so inside the Gloucestershire local authority but receiving a significant number of patients in living in the combined authority area of South Gloucestershire, there are arguments and delays between the two authorities over who should carry out the CACT assessment. I have taken this issue up with the Commissioning Director for Adult Social Care at Gloucestershire County Council to ask for a definitive protocol so that this does not happen in the future as it causes hardship to the residents and their families.
Bence Builders Merchants
I was delighted to be able to open the new Bence Builders Merchants depot just off the Fosseway, north of Bourton-on-the-Water. I have been a customer of this firm for over 20 years and benefitted from the fact that they are a third-generation family business with many long-serving members of staff who are always very helpful at providing expert advice.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown cutting the ribbon
Bence Builders is precisely the sort of business that we need more of in the Cotswolds and I strongly encourage them to open a further branch in Cirencester, which I know would be a great success!
