Controversial plans to build 160 homes near Gloucester approved
One of the UK's largist housebuilders has been given permission to build 160 new homes in a village near Gloucester, despite concerns from residents.
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Controversial plans to build 160 homes in a A38 village near Gloucester have been given the go-ahead amid fears “sewage will burst from manholes and flood people’s gardens”.
The principle to build on more than 12 acres of land north of Brook Lane in Down Hatherley was established previously.
And Tewkesbury Borough Council considered today (July 15) reserved matters for the appearance, access to the site, landscaping, layout and of the scale St Modwen Homes Ltd’s development.
The housebuilder, which became part of Miller Homes this year, plans to build 104 ‘open market’ houses and 56 affordable homes.
Plans include 29 four-bedroom houses, 54 three-bed and 21 two-bed homes. The affordable housing will be made up of a mix of 12 one-bed flats, four two-bed bungalows and a range of two, three and four bedroom houses.
It will also include a number of shared ownership properties including two one bed flats, eight two bedroom homes, six three bedroom houses and a single four-bed.
However, the scheme has been strongly opposed by local residents with parish councils in Down Hatherley, Twigworth and Innsworth all objecting.
They raised concerns over the right of access across Brook Lane saying there has been a history of serious flooding events and a “catastrophic” failure of the sewage infrastructure.
They said there has been countless instances of sewage backing up and spewing into residents toilets, showers and gardens.
“There is plenty of evidence of floodwater/sewage bursting up through manholes in properties in Ash Lane, and reported distress and difficulty caused to residents.
“The sewage system across the Down Hatherley/Twigworth area was/is simply not fit for purpose even prior to the addition of hundreds more.”
They also said the Ash Lane pumping station is antiquated and struggles to cope.
Twigworth Parish Council echoed the concerns over flooding, sewage and access, concern about increased traffic levels and a lack of legal access to the site from Brook Lane.
Matthew Bunt, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said he was pleased officers supported the application.
He said it is important for Tewkesbury and will deliver 160 much-needed homes on an allocated site.
“These houses will be delivered in the near future,” he said. He said the principle of access across Brook Lane was established previously.
Mr Bunt said he understood the concerns over drainage, but this was also looked into before.
Officers told the meeting that a condition on the planning application would prevent any works on the site starting until they have approval for the works crossing Brook Lane.
The committee voted to grant delegated permission.
By Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire. carmelo.garcia@reachplc.com