WITH a tough target of reducing CO2 emissions by 60 per cent by 2050, Stroud District Council is looking into renewable energy and sustainable living.

As part of the ‘Core Strategy’, a vision of how the district could look in 15 years' time, the council is asking residents about the environment.

A spokesman for the council said: "The Stroud district is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with half the area falling within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"To protect and enhance the environment, planning must work positively to reflect the quality, character and local distinctiveness of our area."

In a questionnaire about major issues facing the district residents are being asked questions including whether planning laws should be relaxed to allow easy installation of renewable energy in homes or if public land should be allocated for wind turbines.

The deadline for feedback is Friday, May 1. The Core Strategy ’20 question’ survey is available online at www.stroud.gov.uk/core or by post: Core Strategy, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Stroud GL5 4UB or call 01453 754092.

Drop in sessions and exhibitions will be held throughout the district where officers will be on hand to provide more information about the issues affecting the district.

The sessions will be held between 1.30pm – 7.30pm at the following locations: Berkeley Town Hall on April 2, Wotton Town Council Offices, April 3 and Cam Council Offices on April 9.