New homes plan for ex-RAF barracks in Cotswolds rejected

PLANS to build more homes on a former RAF barracks site in the Cotswolds have been turned down.

Sailspire Partnership Ltd wanted permission to build on land at Sandy Lane Court in Upper Rissington.

Their proposals included three semi-detached three-bed homes and one-bedroom property.

But ward councillor Andrew Maclean raised several concerns about the scheme which he referred to Cotswold District Council’s planning committee for debate.

Speaking at yesterday’s meeting he said it was an inappropriate development and called for the proposal to be rejected.

He said: “Upper Rissington has a character all of its own that’s been inherited from its former life as an RAF station that was laid out with tree-lined avenues and an abundance of green spaces.

“Sandy Lane Court and the adjacent Southgate Court were already anomalies within Upper Rissington, separated by a busy road and greatly constricted compared with the rest of the village.

“That’s partly because of their history.

“They were built on the foundations of former prefab post-war RAF barracks.”

He said the terraced homes have small back gardens and a limited amount of communal space.

“There’s 21 homes already in Sandy Lane Court, squeezing four more houses into this very tight site in an already crowded area is very out of character for the rest of village.”

Samuel Brooks, of Tyack Architects Ltd, spoke on behalf of the applicant. He said the proposed development aims to provide modest affordable homes to help local people stay in the area they are often priced out of.”

Council officers had recommended approving the proposed development but councillors took a different view and agreed with the concerns raised by Cllr Maclean.