By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
A decision on controversial plans by the University of Oxford to remove stables and build a new home in a Cotswolds village is expected next week.
The President and Scholars of Corpus Christi College want permission to go ahead with the works at The Saddlery in Kineton near Temple Guiting.
The proposals for the new two-storey three-bedroom barn conversion include timber doors and glazing.
It would be of “agricultural character” and partially set on the existing footprint of the stable block.
However, dozens of villagers have objected to the plans including Temple Guiting Parish Council.
Among the 27 objections there are concerns over the loss of the saddlery which has been used by the family of someone who worked in the village for more than 45 years.
The objectors are concerned over the loss of the active stables in the village as the site provided a community hub with local people keeping their horses at the site.
They also say children from Cheltenham and Gloucester with special education needs and intellectual disabilities have come to the stables to visit the ponies, ducks and chickens. And many have learnt to ride there.
The objectors also say it is disappointing the proposals is not for affordable housing and it would lead to a loss of an important village asset.
“Development would be at odds with the rural and transitional character of this part of the settlement.
“The proposal will create an urban feel and it will dominate the plot with an excessively large building, a very small garden and large drive way.”
Council officers have recommended approving the scheme.
They say the proposals are in line with local and national policies and that the development would not harm any protected areas.
Officers also say the scheme would provide modest benefits which would not be outweighed by any negative impacts of the development.
Cotswold District Council’s planning and licensing committee will consider the proposals at their meeting on June 11.