Bath Road

Appeal Hearing – proposed development of 30 houses off Bath Road

At last our voices have been heard! After the botched appeal process over the 30 houses off Swallowcroft I was not holding out much hope for a sensible appeal hearing over the 30-house development off Bath Road.

How wrong I was.  Firstly, the number of objections to the Planning Inspectorate convinced them to extend the deadline for comments by a week; then change the appeal from written comments to a hearing.  The hearing was held at the Stroud Subscription Rooms on 5th March 2015 and was not at a good time for working people to attend.  However, with publicity, posters, and personal contact, the room was filled with concerned parishioners.

With tables ranged in a square, we four principle speakers for the village were immediately opposite the Inspector, Mrs J Miles with two speakers from the District Council on the left, and three for the appellant on the right.  Having distributed the agenda, the Inspector outlined what would happen.  Briefly, the professionals had first go at each subject, then the Inspector asked questions, as appropriate.  After that we were asked if we had any questions or additions to make.

Our main input was on the character, appearance and landscape impact of the development, followed by the sustainability of it.  We emphasised the importance of this whole green space, whose field boundaries have remained unchanged since at least 1839.  As evidence we submitted the results of the village appraisal and images showing how well used the footpaths were.  The appellant said the footpaths would still be there! Yes but along tarmac paths through a housing estate! Not quite the same thing.

It was also pointed out that the village school was full now, with 14 extra children from these two developments most would have to commute to other schools. The appellant pointed out thousands of pounds would go to the school (true) that could improve the education for existing children, but it would not squeeze any more in.

We stressed that in our opinion it was obvious that the adverse impact was greater than any perceived benefit for the village.  In conclusion we all felt the Mrs Miles had not just listened to our concerns but had made sure she understood our point of view. This was in complete contrast to our experience in January 2014 at the Swallowcroft site meeting when we felt ignored and sidelined.  So we have great hope, but must now wait some weeks for the final verdict.  A vote of thanks to all of you who made comments or attended the hearing.

Edwin Davies