Project Profile

Stanley Mill, Stroud

Proposals for the redevelopment of Stanley Mill in Stroud gained unanimous support from Stroud District Council's planning committee in December 2010.

This was an important project in terms of safeguarding local jobs, supporting local business and ensuring the long-term future of Grade I & Grade II listed buildings. The proposals included the conversion of listed buildings to residential use, community/commercial space and the erection of new build dwellings.

The conversion allowed the existing factory to relocate to a new, purpose built facility on site, ensuring the long-term success of a local business.

Engage Planning worked with Gladedale Special Projects and Marlings Ltd to undertake pre-application community consultation.

We organised site visits for local councillors, the local parish council and the town council. A public exhibition, together with an opportunity to tour the existing buildings, enabled local residents to understand the proposals in detail, to talk to the project team and to leave their comments.

In response to issues raised during consultation, Gladedale Special Projects and Marlings Ltd were able to amend the proposals to ensure the scheme that went to committee addressed as many issues as possible. One of these was the result of discussions with local heritage groups, who wanted to see the internal architecture protected from development. This issue was addressed by reducing the number of apartments proposed to allow an entire floor to be left open so that the original features of the building could be enjoyed.

In summary, the success in terms of community consultation was based on the following:

• Early pre-application consultation with local councillors, local groups and residents
• Clear explanation of the background to the proposals and the reasons for the application
• A willingness to adapt the proposals in light of comment from local groups