Plans for 250 homes near Sainsbury’s store up for discussion

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HUNDREDS of homes could be built on the edge of Cheltenham if controversial plans are given the green light this week.

Robert Hitchins Limited wants to develop the 36.8-acre site at Oakley Farm, off Harp Hill and near Priors Road and place 250 homes there next to the Sainsbury’s.

The plans include demolishing the farm buildings to make way for the new homes and form a new vehicle access from Harp Hill.

But hundreds of people have objected to the proposals.

Robert Hitchins Ltd has already lodged an appeal for non-determination but Cheltenham Borough Councillors will be asked to give their views on the proposal at planning committee meeting today, May 20.

Council officers recommend rejecting the scheme and whatever is decided this week will advise the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government of the council’s views.

And a planning inspector will consider the proposals later this year.

Councillors referred the scheme to the planning committee due to the level of public interest, the scale and significance of the proposals and resultant harm to the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The council received more than 370 objections to the proposals. And campaigners say it is a beautiful area that should be kept free of development for aesthetic reasons and to protect wildlife.

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