If there’s one thing the pandemic has shown us, it’s the importance of access to local green space, where socially distanced exercise can be taken. Stoke Lodge has for many years served as public open space for families in Stoke Bishop and Sea Mills.
At the start of the first lockdown in March 2020 residents were appalled by the decision of Cotham School to lock the gates and effectively stop all community access to the playing fields. Following robust lobbying by local councillor John Goulandris, local campaigner Henry Michallat, WLSL and other community groups, Cotham School relented and agreed to allow full public access during daylight hours. John and Henry are delighted to report that the gates remain open during the current lockdown and it’s great to see the playing fields being well used by old and young alike.
Residents will have noticed various tree works; John and Henry are grateful to the Bristol Tree Forum for keeping an eye on these to ensure only necessary work is undertaken.
The changing rooms are being refurbished on their existing footprint. An application to extend these was rightly refused. The building works have not been without issues. Hopefully, they will soon be concluded.
So what happens next and in particular what will happen to the fence?
John and Henry - and many other local groups - all agree that the fence is completely unnecessary, impedes community access and should come down. Cotham School disagrees. There are ongoing mediation discussions involving all parties to see if a compromise can be agreed. If not, then the future of the fence will be decided by the inspector appointed to adjudicate the new Town and Village Green applications. These - in the face of stiff opposition by Cotham School - have now been duly registered by Bristol City Council and will considered later this year. The applicants are confident of success - fingers crossed!
