Gloucestershire
Main towns: Gloucestershire refers to the area administered by Gloucestershire County Council. It does not include South Gloucestershire, which is unitary authority. The main areas of Gloucestershire are Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Cotswold, Stroud and Forest of Dean.
Demographics: Because Gloucestershire is a popular county to retire to, it has an aging population. According to Audit Commission figures, 8.8% of the county’s population are aged 75 or over and this figure is expected to rise by 52% over the next 20 years. The number of people aged 16-19 is expected to fall by 6.7% within the same period.
Only 2.8% of the population is non-white. Non-white communities are located largely in the county’s urban areas, with half of the non-white population living in Gloucester.
It is predicted that the non-white community will grow over the coming years and a lot of Eastern European migrant workers are already settling in Gloucestershire. The number of Eastern Europeans living in the county rose by 55% between 2003/4 and 2005/6.
The county is described as ‘predominantly affluent’. The county has a growing economy supported by manufacturing, service and tourism businesses. Unemployment figures are below the national average. There are ‘small but significant’ areas of deprivation in Gloucester and Cheltenham with 9,000 residents living in areas among the top 10% most deprived in the country. However, health in the county is predominantly good and crime levels are low.
The county council has been conservative led since 2005 with the party holding 34 out of 63 seats.
Population: Gloucestershire has an estimated population of 578,600 people. 50% of the county’s population live in the two main towns of Gloucester and Cheltenham. The rest of the population is spread amongst a host of market towns, villages and hamlets. Over the last ten years the county has seen a steady growth in population. Population is expected to grow another 11% by 2025.
Places of Interest: Gloucestershire is located in the South West of England. Over half of the county is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which makes it an attractive destination for holidaymakers and house hunters alike. It is home to a number of historical sites, such as Tewkesbury Abbey, one of the most famous Norman buildings in England. Other historical sites include Gloucester Cathedral and Sudely Castle. The county is also home to a number of royal residences, such as Highgrove House and Gatcombe Park. The region is stepped in ancient British tradition. For instance, Cooper’s Hill, near Brackworth, is famous for an annual cheese rolling event.
House/Flat Prices: The average property price in Gloucestershire, including houses and flats, is £255,000. Five years ago, in February 2004, the figure stood at £175,000.
Planning issues: Tewkesbury Borough Council has approved controversial plans to install a wind monitoring mast in Brockeridge Common, Twyning. The mast will monitor wind in the area to gather data which will help decide whether or not to erect a wind farm in the vicinity. Locals have reacted angrily as they say that approving the monitoring device will pave the way for a wind farm, which will blight the landscape.
Meanwhile, Cheltenham Civic Society has back the building of 200 student bedsits for the University of Gloucestershire. The plans to build the accommodation on the corner of Gloucester Road and High Street were rejected in October after residents objected to the plans. However, the university plans to resubmit its proposal.