An initial round of public consultation has shown strong support for a proposal to create a new parish council for Cheswick Village and Stoke Park.
The consultation, one of six conducted in different areas of South Gloucestershire as part of a formal Community Governance Review, was initiated following suggestions that the boundaries of Stoke Gifford parish, to which Cheswick and Stoke Park currently belong, may have become “anomalous” due to new housing development.
The results of the consultation, which ran from 15th October 2021 to 9th January 2022, show that 86 percent of the 110 respondents agreed that a new parish council would “give the community a stronger voice”.
However, Stoke Gifford Parish Council expressed its opposition to the creation of a new parish, saying:
“The parish council are in favour of keeping Cheswick and Stoke Park within the parish of Stoke Gifford. This decision is based on residents’ feedback and economic grounds; it will be beneficial keeping the boundary as today.”
A report to be considered at a meeting of South Gloucestershire Council’s Regulatory Committee this Thursday (10th February 2022) states:
“Generally, comments made by respondents were supportive of the creation of a new parish council to reflect the distinct identity of the area and to provide the opportunity for a new voice to champion the needs of residents.”
“The different demographics of Stoke Park and Cheswick when compared to Stoke Gifford were highlighted, along with the division of the area from the rest of Stoke Gifford caused by the A4174.”
“Some comments noted the issues experienced by residents in review area such as a high number of HMOs, developer service fees and parking issues, were not the same as issues experienced by residents in the established parts of Stoke Gifford.”
However, the report adds:
“Some respondents commented there was a lack of a focal point for a new council, such as a parish hall, or community building or café.”
Officers conclude:
“The area proposed for a new parish has a sufficient population and clear boundaries which would enable effective and convenient local governance. Consultation responses provide evidence that the development has its own community identity which is different from that of other parts of Stoke Gifford parish.”
The officer recommendation is that committee members “agree for a new parish council to be created for Stoke Park and Cheswick” and “approve a second stage of consultation to determine its electoral arrangements”.
More information and related links:
- Agenda for the meeting of the Regulatory Committee on 10th February 2022
- Consultation report on a proposed new parish for Stoke Park and Cheswick
New parish confirmed
UPDATE added 10th February 2022.
South Gloucestershire Council’s Regulatory Committee has today (Thursday 10th February) voted to create a new parish for Stoke Park and Cheswick. The only committee member to vote AGAINST the proposal was Stoke Gifford ward member Cllr Brian Allinson.
An archived webcast of the committee meeting is available to view.
South Gloucestershire Council will now begin a further round of consultation on boundaries with a view to finalising the process in the summer.
The Parish Council do not wish to lose Cheswick from its boundary. For Cheswick to form its own parish council would be costly for residents of Cheswick and not in the best interest of the community.
Kind regards,
Ernest Brown
Chair Stoke Gifford Parish Council