By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Major plans to build up to 795 homes near the M5 have received the backing of district planners amid fears a Gloucestershire village will become a commuter town.
Persimmon Homes wants to develop more than 72 acres of land west of the A4135 at Draycott near Cam.
The development site is between the existing Shell petrol station and Jubilee Playing field and is made up of farmland that gently slopes down towards the North/Northwest.
The hybrid planning application was put before Stroud District Council’s development control committee on July 15.
The scheme is made up of three main phase, with the first, which includes 231 homes made up of a mix of two, three and four bed properties, was submitted in full.
The first phase is near the southeast of the site, close to the new proposed access next to the filling garage on the A4135.
The second and third phases were submitted as outline plans and the design and layout would be assessed at a later date.
Developers say the proposal has supporting infrastructure with a new access of A4135, sustainable drainage systems as public open space and play areas.
It also includes a new car park for Jubilee Playing Field and land for allotments. The outline proposals also earmark space for a primary school.
More than 50 people had objected to the proposals amid concerns over the cumulative impact it will have on Cam and Dursley.
They said the character, identity and quality of life in Cam is at risk of being lost. There are fears it will lose its village feel and become a commuter town.
The developers have lodged an appeal against the council for non-determination and whether permission is granted or not will be down to a planning inspector.
However, councillors were still required to give their view on the plans. And they voted unanimously to resolve to grant permission in line with the professional opinion of council officers.