The National Trust (NT) has submitted a planning application for a scheme to create a new wetland habitat approximately 100 meters to the east of Waterloo Bridge. The stated objectives of the scheme are to help remove sediment/silt within Sherborne Brook to prevent it from accumulating within the Broadwaters* and to provide a new and extended wetland habitat within the ‘Old Park’ to the south-west of the Broadwater, with the aim of enhancing local biodiversity.
(* The NT has stated on a number of occasions, that creating a sustainable way of reducing sediment/silt entering the Broadwaters would act as a key enabler for the recreation of meaningful areas of open water. As yet, there is no confirmed NT definition of what is meant by ‘meaningful areas of open water’. Anything from something that respects the historical design of the Broadwaters to a small area to the west of the weir. We will see.)
Details of the scheme were first shared with the community at two NT information sessions held at the village Social Club on the 7th & 11th of June. The NT’s planning application was then received by Cotswold District Council (CDC) nine weeks later on 14 August. Once validated by CDC, the application was made public on 23 September and can now be viewed online at National Trust Planning Application documents or at CDC’s offices in Cirencester.
A consultation period is now active, during which any members of the public can comment on the application and can make representations regarding the scheme. Any comments must be received by CDC by 21st October. In view of the complexity of the application (some 250 pages across more that 20 documents), the Parish Council (PC) has written to CDC asking for a two-week extension to the consultation period (4th November).
You can post your comments online at National Trust planning application comments
It’s a simple and easy way to make sure your voice is heard in time. In addition to responding directly to CDC via their website, the PC has prepared a simple questionnaire and delivered a copy to everyone within the Parish. Responses to this will be summarised and presented to CDC as part of the PC’s response to the application. An online version of the questionnaire is available at Parish Council online community questionnaire and a copy is also attached here Parish Council PDF community questionnaire.
The Parish Council is aware that the NT’s proposals shared at their community information sessions have caused some concerns for many within the Parish. Four of the main considerations raised are:
- Increased water levels within the Brook and additional flood risk to nearby properties due to the introduction of baffles and dams within the Brook.
- Efficacy of the proposed scheme in removing silt from the Brook and whether it will have any significant effect in reducing the continued build-up of silt and weed growth within the Broadwater.
- Potential further degradation of the Old Park, which is a Grade II Registered Park and Garden of significant historical value.
- Landscape and visual impact of the scheme upon local residents and the impact upon the inherent character of the parkland and wider village landscape.
The latter two items are fairly subjective, but the Parish Council is prepared to make representations which reflect the consensus view within community, as well as how the proposals relate to current Planning Policy within Cotswold District Council’s Local Plan.
Independent Hydrological Assessment
In respect of the first two considerations, the PC does not have the expertise to judge the efficacy of the scheme nor the potential for additional flood risk. Hence, in order for the PC to make an informed consultation response, we are proposing to commission a hydrological assessment from an independent hydrological consultancy. The consultancy will prepare a report which will provide a hydrological critique of the NT’s planning application.
The assessment will be made available to the community to allow individuals to draw their own conclusions and to comment upon the planning application.
The cost of the independent assessment will be £1,500. The PC is able fund part of the cost of this work but would also welcome any financial contributions from the Community.
If you would like to support this initiative, donations can be made directly through the PC by contacting the PC’s Clerk (clerk@sherborneparish.org). Further details can also be obtained from members of the PC.
Please take a few moments make your voice heard via the questionnaire (posted or online versions) and via the CDC’s website. Or if your prefer to write directly to the CDC’s planning officer, here are the details:
Joanne Reeves, Case Officer, Planning Department, Cotswold District Council, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1PX
The case reference is 25/02583/FUL
Thank you
