Decision on bid nearly 100 homes on Cotswold town
A 'much better mix' of houses proposed for a development beside a Cotswold town has won over planners, who have given the scheme the go-ahead.
*The Raikes Journal is the only independent news outlet in Gloucestershire approved to use the copy of the BBC local government reporting service. Why? Only only independent, credible journalistically-led platforms that meet the BBC’s high standards win that permission.
Renewed plans to build a housing estate in a Cotswold town have been given the go-ahead amid concerns over sewage capacity.
Cala Homes Ltd has been granted permission to build 98 homes on land west of Hatherop Road in Fairford.
Cotswold District Council considered the proposals which included an increase in the number of planned houses initially permitted at the site from 87 to 98.
Officers told the planning and licensing committee last week that the mix of houses has been changed which means there is now an increase in one and three bed units and a reduction in five bed homes at the site.
The number of affordable dwellings has also increased by four and they considered the new mix represented a more balanced distribution of house types.
Fairford Town Councillor Richard Harrison told the meeting on September 10 they support the application as it provided a much better housing mix in a sustainable part of the town.
But their main concern is the key issue of the capacity of the sewage system in the town.
“It provides a much better housing mix than the previously improved reserved matters and also increases the number, making an even better contribution to the housing supply in the district,” he said.
“The key issue for us is the capacity or otherwise of the Fairford sewage treatment system to accommodate this development without increasing the incidence of pollution of the River Coln and areas downstream and sewage flooding to some residents.
“It’s extremely reasonable as well as highly desirable to impose a grampian condition on the additional houses beyond the 87, as recommended in the officer’s report, at least as a backup.
“Ideally, we would expect a binding commitment by Thames Water to the upgrade completion.”
A letter from an objector was read out which said they remained firmly opposed to the development until Thames Water can adequately dispose of sewage.
The developer’s agent spoke in favour of the plans and were happy with the condition regarding sewage.
“Thames Water’s position is sensitive and we appreciate that as a developer, and we are happy to accept the proposed conditions,” he said.
The committee voted grant permission with the condition that no more than 87 homes will be occupied until sewage upgrades are completed or a development and infrastructure phasing plan is agreed.
By Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire. carmelo.garcia@reachplc.com