Isn’t the Community Orchard a good idea?
We like the idea of a Community Orchard, though not at the expense of this green field and not tied to an unacceptable residential development.
In addition, this site is unsuitable. The soil conditions are unfavourable for the successful cultivation of fruit trees. Residents currently struggle to grow fruit in the area proposed.
Access via Well Hill is dangerous. Given the steepness of Well Hill and the lack of a pavement, we find it hard to see how the Community Orchard will be accessed by children on foot, mothers with children in pushchairs, people with disabilities or older residents. Little provision has been made for parking. It is suggested that many people will come by bicycle. We doubt that and can’t see how people will cycle back up Well Hill with tools and fruit!
Furthermore, planning and consultation have been inadequate. In particular, there has been no discussion with the Parish Council about the possible use of historic Section 106 monies, which have in reality been allocated elsewhere.
We asked Day’s Cottage and the Stroud Valleys Project about the extent of their involvement and support, because they have often been quoted as advisors for the “Minch Orchard Project”. Each told us that they had had one meeting with the developers, some months ago, with no further contact since. Day’s Cottage pointed out that a paid for site visit would be the only way in which they could assess the site’s suitability.
Because engagement has only been sought in the context of the residential development proposal, there is no evidence for broad-based community support for this proposal.
In addition, this site is unsuitable. The soil conditions are unfavourable for the successful cultivation of fruit trees. Residents currently struggle to grow fruit in the area proposed.
Access via Well Hill is dangerous. Given the steepness of Well Hill and the lack of a pavement, we find it hard to see how the Community Orchard will be accessed by children on foot, mothers with children in pushchairs, people with disabilities or older residents. Little provision has been made for parking. It is suggested that many people will come by bicycle. We doubt that and can’t see how people will cycle back up Well Hill with tools and fruit!
Furthermore, planning and consultation have been inadequate. In particular, there has been no discussion with the Parish Council about the possible use of historic Section 106 monies, which have in reality been allocated elsewhere.
We asked Day’s Cottage and the Stroud Valleys Project about the extent of their involvement and support, because they have often been quoted as advisors for the “Minch Orchard Project”. Each told us that they had had one meeting with the developers, some months ago, with no further contact since. Day’s Cottage pointed out that a paid for site visit would be the only way in which they could assess the site’s suitability.
Because engagement has only been sought in the context of the residential development proposal, there is no evidence for broad-based community support for this proposal.
Other FAQs
- What will be the price of the houses?
- Will biodiversity be improved?
- Won’t this open up space for the community?
- Isn’t this a “low impact” development?
- Won't the impact on traffic and parking from 5 houses be minimal?
- Doesn’t the school need the money?
- Will highland cattle continue to graze the field?
- Why is the application being made now?
Proudly powered by Weebly