COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY – FUNDING FOR PROJECTS

Do you have an idea for how you can bring your community together?

Funding now available from the Community Infrastructure Levy for residents and communities to apply for.

The first tranche of funds of just over £70,000 comes from Glevum Green development. It is critical we get applications for projects based in Kingsholm. Get your ideas in by 22nd of July.

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) allows councils in England and Wales to raise funds from developers carrying out projects in their area to fund a wide range of facilities and services needed to support the new development.

CIL is calculated on a square meter basis and each council has its own charging schedule which states the rates for different types and scales of development.

Gloucester City Council has funding available from recent developments and we would like to offer the opportunity for communities to apply.

We are welcoming ideas for new and/or existing projects of up to £3,000 which support at least one of the following:

• Improve community facilities and the environment
• Have a wellbeing focus that actively tackle issues such as exclusion and isolation
• Contribute to diverse and inclusive communities
• Have an environmental focus that actively addresses climate change
• Improve access to volunteering, training or employment opportunities
• Celebrate cultural diversity

We are also welcoming ideas for larger grants of up to £15,000 which support at least one of the following themes:

• Ideas that address and combat climate change
• Ideas that enhance the natural environment
• Ideas that support equality, diversity and inclusion

What next?
Send an email to grants@gloucester.gov.uk with your ward councillors https://democracy.gloucester.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx which answers the following questions…

What is your project?
How does your project benefit others in your community?
Who is involved in planning and delivering the project?
Who is giving their time to support this project?
What will those involved in the project be contributing?
What will have changed in your community and when do you hope to see a difference?
How much are applying for and what will it be spent on?
Important dates
Applications for the funding will be open from Monday 13th June until closing on 22nd July.

Gloucester Lib Dems announce shadow cabinet

Sarah Sawyer, Anne Radley, Declan Wilson, Sebastian Field, Jeremy Hilton, Ashley Bowkett and Angela Conder

The Liberal Democrat group on Gloucester City Council form the opposition to the Conservative administration. Their leader is Cllr. Jeremy Hilton who has recently announced his shadow cabinet.

The seven member team will shadow the Conservative cabinet until the elections in May 2024 when they hope to take control of the city council. Until then they will provide constructive opposition.

Cllr. Jeremy Hilton said:

“We are currently stuck with a poorly performing Conservative administration that has already had three resignations from the cabinet in recent months. They are struggling to cope and it’s our job to provide constructive challenges to their policies or lack of them. We want the best for Gloucester.

“There are seven of us in our shadow cabinet. I call them ‘The Magnificent Seven’. Besides challenging uninspiring plans being proposed by the cabinet we shall also be working up our policies to form our 2024 manifesto to rebuild council services on taking control.”

Deputy leader, Cllr,. Declan Wilson said:

“As the second largest group, with eleven members on the council, it is down to the Liberal Democrats to challenge bad decisions and provide realistic alternatives. That is what we have been doing since May 2021.

“Our shadow cabinet is brimming with good ideas. We will do our best to make sure that from now until May 2024, the ‘Vanishing Council’ doesn’t sink any further.”

The Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet:

Leader and Regeneration: Cllr. Jeremy Hilton

Deputy Leader and Performance & Resources: Cllr. Declan Wilson

Culture & Leisure: Cllr: Sebastian Field

Communities & Neighbourhoods Cllr: Anne Radley

Environment: Cllr. Ashley Bowkett

Planning: Cllr. Sarah Sawyer

Housing: Cllr. Angela Conder

Housing stock survey to protect Kingsholm’s family homes is delayed by council red-tape

Cllr. Angela Conder and Cllr. Jeremy Hilton at Oxford Road. One of the roads most affected by the loss of family homes being converted into Houses in Multiple Occupation

A promised housing stock survey in Kingsholm has been delayed yet again by council red-tape. The latest excuse was provided by the Conservative cabinet member in a written answer to a question from Lib Dem councillor for Kingsholm, Cllr. Jeremy Hilton.

The survey is planned so that the council can provide definitive evidence that too many family homes in Kingsholm are being converted into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

A 130-signature petition was handed into the cabinet by Jeremy Hilton in November 2020.

The Petition said:

“Too many family homes in Kingsholm are being converted into Houses in Multiple Occupation, without planning permission being required. It is currently permitted development for six persons or less.

I/We the undersigned demand that the city council starts work immediately on preparing evidence and documentation to apply to the Secretary of State to give Kingsholm the protection of an Article 4 Direction. This means that all conversions of family homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation would require planning permission.”

Cllr. Jeremy Hilton said:

“Lib Dems tried to amend the council plan in July 2020 to get the work started on a housing stock survey, but the Conservatives voted it down.

“That is why I raised an online petition to get public support. I handed it in at the November 2020 cabinet.

“Shortly afterwards, I met officers who suggested we schedule the survey work for April this year. Then it was delayed until the summer to be part of a countywide housing survey.

“Now the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy says there have been delays because of legal queries and the tender documents haven’t been issued. It is ridiculous, the word incompetence comes to mind.

The written question and the answer published in the council papers of the 23rd of September 2021

Kingsholm ward colleague, Cllr. Angela Conder (Lib Dem) said:

“Kingsholm residents are frustrated by the Conservative council’s reluctance to treat Kingsholm as a special case. We see the onward creep of Houses in Multiple Occupation and the damage done to the community. Parking, noise and litter all contribute to the degradation of our once-quiet streets.”

Jeremy Hilton concluded:

“It is very frustrating trying to get projects implemented at the city council. We are given dates, then later dates and then sometime never. The Conservatives have cut back so far, nothing seems to get done on time. The council has accurately been described as the ‘vanishing council’.

“This housing stock survey is critical in getting our planning rules toughened up to protect Kingsholm’s family homes. It cannot be delayed further by red-tape or more accurately blue-tape.”

Debenhams building – future still uncertain

Debenhams set to close – building for sale

There has been speculation over the weekend (27 & 28 Feb) that the Debenhams building has been sold. This may or may not be the case. We know that Aviva has been talking to a number of buyers.

But a sale isn’t a sale until it’s been signed on the dotted line.

Secondly any purchaser, would want to talk to the city council ahead of the deal being completed. A sale therefore, may be subject to planning permission.

This morning, I have asked officers at the city council for an update. This is what I was told:

“We have not had any confirmation from the owners or any prospective purchasers that the building has been sold and therefore it would be wrong to speculate on what the terms of any hypothetical disposal may be.”

As I have said before, my preference is to see the building restored to its former glory and repurposed if necessary.

As a regular shopper at this store I am also disappointed to see Debenhams go into liquidation.

Debenhams building is not listed, though it sits in a conservation area so cannot be demolished without the council’s permission.

What I do not want to see is this landmark building demolished to make way for a new build.

The Lib Dem group are determined to work with the new owners to see this handsome building fully restored and fully occupied. It’s a focal point in our city centre. An important anchor for our new Kings Square.

Petition to save family homes in Kingsholm handed in by Jeremy Hilton

Jeremy Hilton on Oxford Road one of the areas with large number of HMOs. The road is full of ‘to let’ signs right now.

Lib Dem councillor Jeremy Hilton has handed into the city cabinet, the petition he raised, calling for the protection of family homes in Kingsholm. There is much concern about the number of homes now being converted into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Currently, family homes converted into HMOs for six persons or fewer do not require planning permission, as it is permitted development.

Family homes are being converted into properties suitable for renting and this can lead to issues with noise, rubbish and parking.

There can also be problems with getting landlords to deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Earlier this year Jeremy Hilton and Isabel Brazil tried to amend the council’s work plan to start on the survey work, which is required as precursor to getting an Article 4 Direction. But the Tories voted it down.

An Article 4 Direction would require all conversions to HMO’s to have planning permission.

In addressing the cabinet, Jeremy Hilton urged that the cabinet start work now not later. He pointed out that once the council has got an Article 4 Direction, it will still be another 12 months before it would come into force.

Jeremy Hilton said: “There are too many modest family homes in Kingsholm being converted into HMO’s, by absentee landlords. They are just trying to maximise their income. They don’t care about a balanced community. Already, Oxford Road, St Mark Street and Henry Road for example are being overrun by HMO conversions. We need proper regulation. The cabinet must now act on my petition.”

The online petition raised 130 signatures mostly from Kingsholm residents.

It has been backed by Lib Dem campaigner and resident Angela Conder, a signatory to the petition. She said: “I love living in Kingsholm, but I am worried that new HMOs are being established at far too fast a pace. Rightly, residents are worried about unregulated change that is taking place. We need an Article 4 Direction.”

The petition was received by the cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods. She promised to respond to its request.

Lib Dem councillor Isabel Brazil concluded: “If St Paul’s in Cheltenham can have an Article 4 Direction, requiring planning permission for all new HMOs, then so can Kingsholm. We must protect our community from unregulated change.”

Lib Dems call for early start to the upgrading of Gloucester Railway Station

Declan Wilson and Jeremy Hilton chat to Lib Dem national leader Ed Davey MP (centre) at Gloucester Railway Station (July 2019)

On Thursday (19th Nov 2010), the city council will debate a motion being proposed by Lib Dem councillors Jeremy Hilton and Sebastian Field calling for the upgrade of Gloucester Railway Station to start on-site in the first quarter of 2021.

Earlier this year it was reported that the £4.3 million upgrade had been topped up by a further £1.7 million. Taking the total allocated to this project to £6 million.

The project will involve a major upgrade of the underpass running from Bruton Way to Great Western Road. The Lib Dems want this to be the number one priority.

Lib Dem leader, Cllr. Jeremy Hilton said: “We have been waiting ages for the railway station improvement project to start. Now it is fully funded and the partners have set up a project board, they must get on with it. We want to see construction workers on site in the first quarter of next year. The underpass upgrade must be the first priority. It’s a grotty underpass, with steep steps and feels unsafe to walk through. We have been waiting years for it to be upgraded. Let’s make 2021 the year the construction begins.”

The railway station project will also deliver a more attractive station facade, that will have its own bus stop and new exit onto Metz Way.

There will be 10 electrical vehicle charging spaces, more cycle racks, solar panels and a new canopy at the front of the station for travellers waiting to be picked up.

Cllr. Sebastian Field added: “Lib Dems want to encourage greater use of public transport. We have a new bus station and we need an upgraded railway station to complement it. We must make sure that our public transport facilities are fit for the 21^st Century.”

Lib Dem deputy leader, Cllr. Declan Wilson concluded: “Travellers by train deserve better, this project should give Gloucester a railway station to be proud of.”

New petition calls for change to planning rules for Houses in Multiple Occupation

Kingsholm Liberal Democrats have launched a new petition to stop the area being overwhelmed by Houses in Multiple Occupation.

Family homes are being converted into properties suitable for renting and can lead to issues with noise, rubbish and parking.

There can also be problems with getting landlords to deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Current planning rules do not require permission for new HMOs of less than six people.

Areas such as St Paul’s in Cheltenham have an Article 4 Direction, which requires planning permission for all new HMOs.

Liberal Democrat councillors Jeremy Hilton and Isabel Brazil recently tried in vain to persuade the Tory administration on the city council to do a housing stock survey immediately, which would be a precursor to an Article 4 designation for Kingsholm.

Councillor Isabel Brazil said: “It has been noticeable that in recent times more and more family homes in Kingsholm are being converted into Houses in Multiple Occupation.

“This is changing the nature of the community as absentee landlords buy up homes and let rooms to individuals to maximise their income.”

Councillor Jeremy Hilton added: “We are raising a petition to demand that the city council starts work right now on preparing the evidence to apply for Article 4 Direction to the Secretary of State.

“We cannot have Kingsholm overrun by HMOs, we need a fair balance.”

The petition can be signed here

Jeremy Hilton writes to chief executive of J Sainsbury PLC

Jeremy Hilton at his computer having written his email to CEO of Sainsbury’s.

At the weekend, Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr. Jeremy Hilton wrote to Simon Roberts, the chief executive of Sainsbury’s about the proposed closure of their Northgate Street supermarket, which has been trading successfully for nearly 50 years.

Along with Lib Dem colleague Dr Rebecca Trimnell, Jeremy Hilton is raising an online petition, Save Our Sainsbury’s, which is doing well. Please sign it at:-

https://gloucester-libdems.org.uk/en/petition/save-our-sainsbury-s

Jeremy’s letter to Simon Roberts

Dear Mr Roberts

I was shocked to learn this week that your company is to close its supermarket at Northgate Street, Gloucester after nearly 50 years of successful trading. Many people that I represent, who live in Kingsholm are very unhappy about the store’s closure as they use it regularly.

My Lib Dem colleague, Dr Rebecca Trimnell, who is campaigning for the residents of the city centre has raised an online petition to save the supermarket. The returns are good.

I remember the store when it first opened as I had a Saturday job there as a teenager. I still shop in the store more than three times a week. Not only do residents of Kingsholm and city centre use it, but those working in the centre or other residents in Gloucester who are shopping in the city centre also pickup provisions before they go home.

I imagine the store isn’t the strongest trading store, but it must still be profitable as the investment in the building will have been paid off long ago. I have noticed you have been running down the variety of stock, which may have hit trade a bit, but it’s Covid-19 pandemic that has had a major impact.

However, trade is recoverable as we get through this pandemic. The city council is just about to invest in the refurbishment of Kings Square, which along with the regeneration around the bus and railway stations will bring in more people to the city centre. This will lead to an increase in footfall.

It would be so sad not to have a Sainsbury’s in the city centre while Tesco, Iceland and M&S will have a presence, but none of them can offer the same service and stock range that you can continue to do from Northgate Street.

Both Dr Rebecca Trimnell and I would appreciate meeting a senior representative of your company to discuss how we could keep the store open to mutual benefit.

Finally, the city council will discuss a motion in my name about saving the store on the 24^th of September.

Yours sincerely,

City Cllr. Jeremy Hilton

Liberal Democrat Group Leader – Kingsholm & Wotton

£35,000 grant application made to improve Wellington Parade Garden

Jeremy Hilton at the garden before it was closed to the public

Gloucester City Council has made an application to the Great Western Railway Customer and Communities Improvement Fund, for £35,000 to assist in the project to renew and upgrade the Wellington Parade Garden.

The total estimated cost is £49,000 with the city council contributing £14,000. The project would also include some public art. The garden was originally owned by British Railways Board before it was passed onto the city council via a private purchaser.

The grant application has been supported by Liberal Democrat ward councillors Isabel Brazil and Jeremy Hilton who have been working with officers to get the garden upgraded and reopened.

Jeremy Hilton said: “The garden was closed at the request of local residents who were fed up of anti social behaviour taking place. The project to get garden upgraded is taking longer than expected. Shortage of council funding to implement the agreed plan, hasn’t helped, but we must get it right. The new design is laid out to discourage street drinking and bad behaviour.

“We are waiting for a decision on the GWR grant. On my suggestion, once the garden has been set out, we shall look to install some railway heritage public art to be the garden’s centre piece.”

Isabel Brazil said: “The grant application must be agreed by the Department of Transport. I hope they can make a quick decision as we are keen to start the ground works. The council wants to start onsite in April. The work would take three months.”

Gloucester Liberal Democrats win two city council by-elections

Joanne Brown, Sebastian Field, Ashley Bowkett, David Brown, Declan Wilson, Jeremy Hilton & Rebecca Trimnell celebrate a double by-election victory

Ashley Bowkett topped the poll in Barnwood while Sebastian Field won Podsmead by just three votes after a recount.

The by-elections were held on July 25 following the death of Conservative Councillor Lise Noakes in Barnwood and the resignation of Labour Councillor Deborah Smith in Podsmead.

The by-elections saw the Brexit Party, recently formed by Nigel Farage, field its first local election candidates and got comprehensively beaten.Sebastian returns to the city council having previously represented Kingsholm and Wotton for nine years until 2016.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester Liberal Democrats, said: “A Double Gloucester victory and congratulations to our two new city councillors.

“Not only did we see off the Brexit Party in their first council elections, but we gained a seat from the Conservatives and the other one from Labour.

“Ashley Bowkett’s win in Barnwood now secures the second seat in this ward for the Lib Dems.

“In Podsmead we took the seat by just three votes over the Tories in what was a Labour seat. Sebastian Field worked exceptionally hard to secure this win.

“The two wins now mean that the Conservatives have 21 seats and the Liberal Democrats and Labour both have nine councillors each.

The Podsmead result:

Sebastian Field (Lib Dem) 203

Conservatives 200

Labour 122

Brexit 111

Green 29

UKIP 11

Turnout 32%

The Barnwood result

Ashley Bowkett (Lib Dem) 676

Conservative 496

Brexit 152

Labour 64

Green 59

UKIP 6

Turnout 29%