How could they erect flats that looked so awful in such an area. John Gurney reports that they are still there today and still look as out of place in December 2016. The planners who allowed these also were responsible for the poor building planning in nearby Stroud.

Peter kerslake adds " Yes , the flats mar the view but this is nevertheless a splendid " high vantage point " portrayal of Brimscombe at the foot of Sapperton bank through what is known locally as the " Golden Valley " from Gloucester through here to Kemble and Chalford .
The delightful shed and water tank were for the " Brimscombe Banker " , stationed here to assist freights and ailing passenger workings up the formidable grade to Sapperton summit which heads away to the right of this view.
Little 1444 is running down the bank and heading towards our cameraman with her driver visible in the leading coach and his fireman just visible at the cabside door at the rear , their engine being fitted with Auto Train" Push and Pull " apparatus and they will join the main Midland Region line into Gloucester at Standish Junction .
I recall that 1444 was reported to have broken an axle as she ended her days at Gloucester Horton Road Depot in 1964 , being one of the six of the class there in the final years , and sharing the final duties on this line , in addition to the Sharpness line , with her sisters 1458 , 1445 , 1474 , 1472 and 1453. "

Some additional details of interest are that this engine shed here at Brimscombe was the Great Western's oldest shed , opening on the 1st .June 1845 and remaining in service until October of 1963 although its trackwork remained in situ for a further year with the shed being relegated to just a stabling point for Gloucester's Horton Road bankers during that final year up until October , 1964 .
The taller and nearest section of the shed seen here in this fine view is what remains of the original broad gauge building with a slate roof , whilst the far end is the newer addition , topped with its 20, 000 gallon water tank.
The canal which doubtless fed the water tank is just out of view below the banking on the extreme right.