Climate change fears halt homes bid

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 350 homes in Cheltenham have been rejected over climate change concerns.

Miller Homes wanted permission to build the new estate on 44.6 acres at Shurdington Road.

Their proposals included 140 affordable homes along with cycleways, footpaths, landscaping and access roads.

The new estate would also have a public open space, children’s play space, a community orchard and allotments.

Planning officers at Cheltenham Borough Council had recommended approving the proposals as the development would contribute to meeting the local need for housing.

But at a meeting in March several councillors raised concerns over the scheme’s environmental impact as the homes would all be fitted with gas boilers and voted to defer the proposals.

They said at the time that the scheme was “a kick in the teeth of the town’s bid to tackle climate change”.

And they were not impressed by the lack of substantial changes when the plans came up for debate again on Thursday.

Speaking during the planning committee meeting, Cllr Bernie Fisher proposed that the scheme should be rejected as he believes it is not a sustainable development.

He said he fears for the future of his grandchildren due to the climate crisis and it was time for the council to “draw a line in the sand”.

Chairman Garth Barnes said a lack of housing is a huge issue in Cheltenham.

He said: “The climate change issues are paramount and we should be considering what we do.

“We are between a rock and hard place with this.”

More than 130 people had objected to the proposals and raised concerns over pollution, loss of green space, overdevelopment and the increase of traffic.

Planning consultant Paul Hill spoke in favour of the plans and called on the committee to approve the scheme.

He said: “In relation to climate change, members will have observed the submission of a further revised energy statement which proposes a reduction of CO2 emissions by some 31% beyond current building regulations.

“This will significantly reduce reliance on conventional gas boiler usage in all homes across the site.”

But the committee voted unanimously voted to reject the proposals.