Trent Vision Trust – which will be unveiling its plans for development in the Trent Valley area from Friday 1st February – issued a press release today in which it gave a few more details of its plans. Full details, however, won’t be available before the consultation events, which are listed in the press release. Here it is in full…
The local Trent Vision Trust, or TVT as it is known, is hosting a number of public exhibitions in and around the local villages of Stone this coming week. The exhibitions outline TVTs ideas /vision for Stone, they provide the town with an alternative strategy to Stafford Borough’s proposal to develop on Westbridge Park. TVT’s ideas focus upon the regeneration and improvement of this historic market town, reconnecting the town with its great heritage and outstanding community spirit. The plan also identifies a strategy to relieve traffic congestion in the town centre.
TVT’s plans are deliverable, sustainable and will bring together key land owners and community stakeholders to regenerate its canal, strengthen the town trade and place Stone at the very heart of Staffordshire’s tourist / visitor destinations. The town, a few years ago was identified as one at “serious risk of economic decline” in a national market town survey carried out by central government.
TVT plans to attract investment, entrepreneurs, new retailers and jobs to Stone, which will encourage visitors and tourists to the town whilst embracing the town’s key characteristics and protecting its heritage and amenities.
TVT has been engaged in the local planning process for over 10 years. Their proposals focus upon the sensitive rejuvenation of the land around the canal and river side areas with the expansion and improvement of the Trent Valley Nature Reserve and the creation of a New River Park.
Oliver Dyke founder of Trent Vision Trust says, “Once we have consulted with the people of Stone and its surrounding Parishes the Trust will consider and come forward with a holistic master plan for the Trent Valley. TVT are looking forward to working with the local councils, communities and stakeholders to ensure that Stone has the maximum opportunity to become a key tourist and visitor destination within Staffordshire”.
Public exhibitions of the plans in their totality are to be held in Stone and neighbouring villages throughout the first week of February to ascertain public feedback.
Public Exhibition Dates:
1st February – The Crown Hotel, Stone 10am – 4pm
2nd February – The Farmer’s Market, (outside Costa) Stone High Street 9.00am – close
4th February – Moddershall Village Hall – 5pm – 8pm
6th February – The Lamb (back room) – Walton 2pm – 8pm
7th February – Yarnfield Village Hall – 5pm – 8pm
8th February – Barlaston Village Hall – 5pm – 8pm
3 comments
mark
The amount of housing that can be accomodated on TVT is not sufficient to provide a new leisure centre! At best they could fund a new play area, skate park etc….not much else im afraid. Stone residents need to think about what they want? Do they want a new leisure centre? If they do, they need to accept a supermarket at WBP.
mark
The only aspect of the TVT development that can fund improvements to WBP is the housing. This is because no other aspect of the development creates a justifiable reason for the BC to ask for money to fund a new leisure centre. (Housing generates people, people use leisure centre – Hence a LINK). There are strict requirements with regards to S106 agreements to prevent consents being bought! A developer, however generous cannot donate money to the BC to fund non related improvements. If they do, they lead themselves open to a high court challenge.
Ben Alcock
I am interested to see how he attempts to attract new retailers to Stone and how this is going to rejuvenate Stone High Street? Reports have shown that retail developments built out side the primary shopping areas take people away from the high street. Furthermore he has made no mention of whether or not he is planning to improve the leisure provision within Stone and where the money for the section 106 will be spent.
This scheme does not adhere to Governemt planning policy and can only be considered if no other sites within the town centre or edge of town centre are not viable or available. Which is clearly not the case.
Like Chris, I am keen to see the details.