Decision on 126-home plan in Shurdington
Controversial plans to build more than 120 homes in a village on the outskirts of Cheltenham have been given the go-ahead despite traffic congestion fears.
Controversial plans to build more than 120 homes in a village on the outskirts of Cheltenham have been given the go-ahead despite traffic congestion fears.
Ullenwood Investments Ltd has been granted permission to develop more than 16 acres of farmland near Shurdington.
The scheme was considered by Tewkesbury Borough Council’s planning committee on June 16 and ncludes the demolition of an existing property known as Shimba to allow access onto Badgeworth Lane.
And at least 50 per cent of the homes built as part of the proposal will be affordable.
But more than 120 people backed a petition against the plans amid concerns over traffic congestion and lack of local services.
The plans include traffic calming measures such as vehicle activated speed signs, a 20mph speed limit in certain parts.
And the A46 junction will be improved with enhanced bus stops, new footways, crossings and traffic lights as part of the scheme.
However, residents raised concerns last week over the traffic ‘chaos’ which could be created by all the new housing being proposed in the area.
Jim Bailey, an objector, spoke at the meeting and said there was “total rejection” to the plans at a public meeting he organised with a colleague.
Mr Bailey said the proposals sit firmly within the Green Belt the “narrow” gap between Cheltenham and Gloucester.
“Creating a Greater Shurdington and Badgeworth growth zone, as will happen if all current and anticipated applications are consented, is just what Green Belt designations are designed to prevent,” he said.
He called for the plans to be deferred for officers to work on the reasons to reject the scheme. But if they are to be approved, he asked for the site to be looked at with nearby sites in mind which need comprehensive plan with linked access.
Oliver Rider, the planning agent for the development, called on councillors to approve the plans.
He said the scheme has been brought forward in collaboration with Bromford Housing to provide affordable housing in the Tewkesbury borough.
And the development “fits squarely” with council’s policies as Shurdington is a service village, a location where new housing is expected to be brought forward, Mr Rider said.
“Shurdington ranks highest of the 12 service villages in terms of its size, function, services and access to local facilities,” he said.
“The site’s proposed under the Government’s Grey Belt policy provisions it will deliver 126 much needed homes.”
During the debate, Councillor Matt Dimond-Brown (G, Tewkesbury South) asked about the cumulative impact of developments and how the Green Belt was “being nibbled away at”.
Officers said the development did not meet the criteria of Grey Belt and said the proposals were not ad hoc and on the edge of the settlement.
He said a wider assessment of the Green Belt is being undertaken and should be published in the autumn.
Highways officers said they were aware of the on-street parking at school times. But they said there have not been any recorded personal injury collisions or safety concerns.
Councillor Mel Gore (C, Isbourne) said the committee was not happy with the planning application.
But she explained there were no sound reasons to refuse it and proposed approving the scheme in line with the officer’s recommendation.
This was seconded by Cllr Dimon-Brown “with a very heavy heart”. Councillors voted to approve the plans.