Plan for 250 homes step closer despite steep street fears

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build up to 250 homes on the outskirts of Cheltenham are a step closer, despite concerns the streets heading to wheelchairaccessible bungalows will be too steep.

A request to change the planning conditions for Vistry Homes’ plans to develop the land at Oakley Farm has been granted by Cheltenham Borough Council. A planning inspector granted outline permission to demolish the buildings and develop the site Harp Hill in 2022. The council had argued that the development would be detrimental to tourism as it would impact the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and harm the town’s setting.

But in his decision, inspector Matthew Nunn said there was no substantive evidence to support that view. The latest proposals by Vistry Homes Limited And Stonewater Limited were put before the planning committee on March 21 to vary a condition over the gradient of planned roads on the site.

Claire Thompson, a resident who spoke on behalf of objectors, called on the committee to reject the scheme. She said the gradients are important as they will have an impact on the lives of people who move into the homes.

“They relate not only to visitors but all users including pedestrians, families with small children, the elderly, people with mobility issues and cyclists,” she said.

Cllr Garth Barnes (LD, College) said it was not an easy decision to make but all officers said to go against the changes would be “indefensible”. He said to go against their recommendation was an “exercise for disaster” and implored members to think hard about the advice given by the officers.

The committee voted to approve the variation in line with officer’s recommendation.