Civic leaders have voted to oppose controversial plans to build up to 160 homes near Gloucester.
Tewkesbury Borough Council planners debated today (April 19) a scheme by Robert Hitchins Ltd to develop land off Brook Lane in Twigworth.
The developer is seeking permission to build the new homes on 12 acres of agricultural land. And their proposals include a range of homes across the site with varying sizes from large, detached properties through to smaller terraced forms.
The development proposes 35% affordable housing on the site which equates to 56 houses split between affordable rented and shared ownership.
Councillors voted to defer the plans in February and requested more information. But the developer has now lodged an appeal for non-determination and a planning inspector will decide the fate of the proposals.
More than 20 people objected to the scheme and parish councillors say the flood risk maps for the area are not up to date.
Julie Branton, speaking on behalf of Down Hatherley Parish Council, said the Environment Agency flood maps of the area are grossly out of date.
And told councillors that the council has previously been reminded of the flooding catastrophe after the failure of the sewage infrastructure in Ash Lane in December 2020.
“This resulted in a toxic mixture of sewage and floodwater overwhelming homes.
“Some people in the surrounding area of Twigworth still cannot use their showers at certain times of the day.”
She said the old pumps station in Ash Lane struggles to cope with the current volumes from surrounding homes.
George Sharpley, chairman of Twigworth Parish Council, raised concerns over flooding and said the groundwater at the site is too high.
He said an independent hydrologist said the site had all of the undesirable aspects imaginable.
Phil Hardwick, head of planning at Robert Hitchins Limited, spoke in support of the scheme. He said it was recommended for approval before it was deferred.
He said: “The site is allocated so the principle of development is already established. The relevant statutory consultees raise no objection to the application.
“Third party consultants have since verified the transport and drainage assessments. Officers maintain there are no grounds for refusing in relation to traffic and drainage.”
Tewkesbury Borough Councillor Graham Bocking (C, Innsworth) said the plans would meet Gloucester City’s needs and none would contribute to Tewkesbury’s housing target. He called on the committee to reject the proposals.
“We are not in a third world country. We cannot allow a precedent to be set that we build houses where we can’t supply basics like schooling provision.”
Council officers recommended the council be minded to refuse the application because it would not adequately provide for education facilities and meet the housing needs of the area.
The committee voted unanimously to follow the officers’ advice. A planning inspector will decide the fate of the proposals in due course.
By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter