Appeal date set for controversial lorry park bid
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a lorry park in the Cotswolds could still go ahead despite being turned down by planners over fears it would harm the beautiful landscape.
Cotswold District Council rejected the proposals by William Gilder Ltd to build a 75-space truck stop on land at Gloucester Road, near the A417 in Stratton, in March.
However, a planning inspector will now have the final say on the plans after the company lodged an appeal.
The scheme, which includes facilities for drivers and a service yard, was turned down over fears it would harm the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Conservative councillor Julia Judd says it is “the wrong application in the wrong place”.
“You cannot undo major development,” she said. “There are a plethora of suitable underused aprons of concreted or metalled spaces within just a few miles of this site which could be repurposed.
“No one contests that truck drivers need and deserve better facilities, but not here, high up on this precious and sensitive part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where nature, wildlife and rural tranquillity reign.”
However, consultants working on behalf of the applicant say there is a “dire need” for roadside truck stop facilities along the A417. It is also their view that the proposals would not have a substantial impact on the environment and would create jobs, improve road safety and reduce the opportunities for crime.
“These benefits, together with the genuine need for a fully-serviced truck stop on one of the region’s key freight routes amount to major benefits in favour of this development.
“The proposal would not result in substantial landscape and environmental impacts due to the existing and proposed boundary screening and the sensitive nature that the proposal has been designed.”
The appeal hearing will get under way on January 31. It is expected to last four days.