By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Fears over a “very dangerous situation” caused by traffic gridlock in a tourist hotspot in the Cotswolds have led to plans for a new cafe being turned down.
Bibury, with its picturesque Arlington Row of weaver’s cottages, was made famous by textile designer and writer William Morris who described it as “the most beautiful village in England” in the 19th century.
But it has been struggling with overtourism in recent years with motorists and coaches often causing traffic chaos in the picturesque destination.
Now Cotswold District Council has turned down plans to convert the ground floor of existing barns from general storage to a cafe with a shopping area amid road safety concerns.
The scheme included changes to the lean-to and decking area as well as alterations at the Shoecroft Barn in Ablington Lane.
But the narrow country lane lacks proper pedestrian access and as the site of frequent traffic gridlock it is seen as a danger for residents and visitors alike.
Consultants working on behalf of Bibury Trout Farm said the proposals were sympathetic to the wider setting of the original heritage of the barn and outbuildings and would “bring the buildings fully back into use”.
But the plans faced strong local opposition with more than 100 objections amid fears it would have put even more pressure on the village which is “already under severe pressure” from tourists.
The applicants submitted a transport impact assessment report which suggested it would generate fewer vehicle trips than the extant cafe permission elsewhere on the trout farm, the planning committee heard on August 11.
However, Gloucestershire highways objected to the plans due to a lack of information demonstrating safe and suitable access could be achieved for all users. And planning officers recommended refusal as a result.
Craig Chapman, who chairs Bibury Parish Council, said they support the view of highways officers and echoed the road safety concerns.
“Ablington Lane is a narrow rural lane with inadequate passing points and sharp bends,” he said.
“It has no proper pedestrian provision along key sections and is already under severe pressure from existing trout farm visitors and wider tourism.
“It is used with difficulty by residents, agricultural, service and emergency vehicles,” he added.
“The parish council has already stated that lane is frequently gridlocked, the verges are being eroded, and that there is constant conflict between traffic and pedestrians,” he said.
He also said the trout farm’s car parks are often “full to overflowing” causing “frustration, obstruction and danger for residents and visitors”.
Michelle Follett-Holt spoke at the meeting on behalf of more than 100 people who objected to the plans.
She said Ablington Lane had no pedestrian infrastructure to link Shoecroft Barn with parking areas, the village and other attractions.
“The published highway reason is clear. Safe access has not been demonstrated.
“This application has already had its second chance. Please refuse it as recommended.”
Conservative councillor David Fowles (Coln Valley) who represents the village at the district council, also spoke against the plans.
He said Ablington Lane is a very narrow lane that is “frequently gridlocked” and there is no safe pedestrian access.
“Pedestrians have to run the gauntlet across the highway,” he said.
He told the meeting that it is a “very dangerous situation”.
During the debate, councillor Patrick Coleman (LD, Stratton) proposed rejecting the scheme and this was seconded by Cllr Paul Evans (LD, The Beeches).
The committee voted unanimously to reject the plans.