Problem area Homes bid for decaying farm site at castle
We believe this proposal will finally present an opportunity to turn a ‘problem’ into a great opportunity
SUDELEY Castle bosses are hoping to deal with a long-running problem once and for all. They have not been able to find a suitable use for decaying old farm buildings on the edge of the castle’s estate in Winchcombe for decades.
Now they are seeking planning permission to build 19 houses, as well as various commercial units, at the Almsbury Farm site in Vineyard Street.
A planning application for the redevelopment of the site has been submitted to Tewkesbury Borough Council, on the castle’s behalf, by Almsbury LLP.
A report included with the application said: “This application seeks to address the problems posed by the empty and decaying farm buildings around Almsbury Farmhouse.
“It seeks to find credible, alternative uses for these buildings, which are sympathetic to their history and scale.
“New, sensitively designed buildings, which are modest in number and scale are proposed to be introduced to secure a long-term viable future for the site.
“The formation of a small, mixed-use community of the highest architectural and landscape quality should be a tremendous asset to the town, and provide a suitably considered and elevating approach to the castle grounds.
“The issues besetting Almsbury have been a source of concern for all for many years, and we believe this proposal will finally present an opportunity to turn a ‘problem’ into a great opportunity.”
Previous plans for the site have often been controversial and have led to a great deal of opposition in Winchcombe.
In 2017, plans to build a 52-bed care home and 53 ‘assisted living’ homes were rejected by the council. It followed a host of objections from residents, councillors and organisations concerned about the impact the project would have on the town.
Before that, hugely controversial plans for it to be turned into a visitor centre for the castle were approved in 2002 but were not acted upon.
In 2004, there was a serious fire at the site and in 2006 plans to create a business centre there were lodged but then withdrawn.
The castle dates back to the Middle Ages. It is the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds – Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII’S six wives.
Planning application