Decision delayed Extra time for report into plan for 350 homes
ADECISION on plans to build 350 homes in Cheltenham has been pushed back. Miller Homes wants permission to build the new estate on 44.6 acres of land at Shurdington Road.
Their proposals include 140 affordable homes along with cycleways, footpaths, landscaping, access roads, public open space, children’s play space, a community orchard and allotments.
Planning officers at Cheltenham Borough Council recommend approving the proposals as it will contribute to meeting the local need for housing.
And councillors were expected to debate the plans on December 16 but the scheme has been deferred.
Council officers said the plans had created an “enormous” amount of interest locally since the planning committee agenda was published.
“We have received an enormous amount of correspondence from third parties, from some of yourselves as members and others, many of which include various questions,” an officer told the committee.
“We feel, as officers, that it would be inappropriate to take all of those items verbally this evening. It would be more appropriate to amend the committee report to provide a little bit more detail on some of the issues that have arisen.
“Therefore the deferral is on the basis to allow us to do a more comprehensive report next time.”
More than 130 people oppose the proposals and have raised concerns over pollution, loss of green space, overdevelopment and the increase of traffic it will cause on Shurdington Road. Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council says it recognises the need for more housing, including affordable homes. However, it has objected to the current plans, which it believes will cause severe cumulative traffic congestion and damage to valued landscape. The developer says the design of the new homes will reflect the local area.
“This is a well-conceived scheme responding to its surroundings in a sustainable way,” their planning statement says.
“The proposals will deliver necessary new homes which are needed to meet immediate requirements in Cheltenham Borough including affordable homes.”
The planning committee is expected to debate the proposals at their next meeting on January 20.
It would be more appropriate to amend the committee report to provide a little bit more detail on some of the issues that have arisen. Council officer