Businesses 'put off' by suggestion of park charges

Businesses say any charges could prevent them from using the park in the future

Businesses which use a park for professional activities, such as dog walking and personal training, say they would be put off from using the space if they were charged.

It is one of the proposals included in Stroud District Council's (SDC) Stratford Park Vision and Ambition Development Plan, which sets out how to protect the space for future generations while encouraging more people to use it.

A council spokesperson said blanket business charges were "at an early stage and required further development", and any revenue generated would be "reinvested in the park".

But yoga teacher Oli Raeburn said "the whole beauty of having an outdoor space like the park is that it's free".

The document states the authority does not know how many businesses currently use the Gloucestershire park.

The report author said charges could help cover the cost of any damage done to the space through commercial use and ensure proper insurance practices are in place.

Many local authorities in England charge companies to use parks to contribute towards maintenance costs.

The potential measures are included in the new Stratford Park Vision and Ambition Development Plan

But Ms Raeburn, who owns Yogi Oli and has run community yoga sessions in the park for six years, said any potential charges would make her think twice about using the site.

"It would massively impact me, especially as my classes [in the park] are donation-based," she said.

"As it's a community project, it would put me off using the park as it would make it less accessible.

"The whole beauty of having an outdoor space like the park is that it's free."

Ed Mobs uses the park for his EM Power personal training bootcamp sessions.

"I would have to look for a different location as my business wouldn't be able to absorb the cost.

"It just wouldn't be viable for me," he said.

In contrast, Stroud residents have mixed views on the proposed levy.

Colin Weston said he had "no problem" with the suggested business charges

Colin Weston, who walks his dog in the park, said: "If it was for a business then I have no problem with that. The council's got to make money too."

Park user, Charles Moore, added: "I think that parks have changed over the years and many years ago they were just places for recreation, but I think it's reasonable to expect people if they're using them for their businesses to make a contribution."

But Eric Wilkinson believes no one should be charged to use the space.

"I think it would be a retrograde step. It is a beautiful park which is open and accessible to so many people and it needs to be kept free and open to all," he said.

Cinema and festivals

The Stratford Park Vision and Ambition Development Plan was endorsed by councillors at a SDC meeting on 19 June and the strategy is set to run until 2029.

The report states the new strategy aims to make the park a "destination location" for communities to improve "health and well-being" and provide "cultural enrichment for all".

Ideas put forward include creating "green way" corridors to connect the park to other open spaces in Stroud, hosting open air cinema and music festivals, launching a forest school and expanding the skate park and sensory gardens.

In a statement, a SDC spokesperson said: "The Stratford Park Development Plan provides a framework for officers to explore the park's full potential, drawing on ideas through extensive stakeholder consultations.

"Some proposals, including the introduction of business charges for commercial use, remain at an early stage and require further development.

"The next step will involve benchmarking similar practices in other districts.

"Any revenue generated would be reinvested in the park to support its ongoing improvement and ensure it continues to benefit all users."

The plan has been described as a "framework" document, and the council will bring forward set proposals in the future, which will be consulted and voted on.