Plans for holiday home in cold war bunker (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Plans for holiday home in cold war bunker

A COLD War bunker in the Cotswolds could be developed into holiday accommodation if a planning inspector gives the project the green light this week.

Council planners have twice refused the application but the owners of the disused underground building have appealed to the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to have the decision overturned.

Farmer Howard Ford told Cotswold District Council last February: "This building is in excellent condition and to bring it back into regular use would be a great way to preserve it."

Mr Ford even drew up plans for bunding to screen the proposed parking area which was required for the holiday lets.

However, council planners refused to grant permission, despite the amendments to the application made after the first refusal.

The decision notice said the plans would result in the requirement for vehicles to park and turn within the application site.

It said: "The vehicles and associated paraphernalia would be out of character with the site and surrounding area, notwithstanding the proposed bunding screen, which by virtue of its size and positioning would appear incongruous to its surroundings and fail to preserve the character and appearance of this area."

Now Mr Ford is waiting on the decision of the Secretary of State.

He told the Standard he believed the underground building, situated in the parameters of his farm, was originally used by the Observation Corps.

He says he is unsure of its exact history but believes their work was concerned with the Cold War during the later half of the 20th century.

He said: "There were three bunks in it - it is about the size of a kitchen, not enormous, and about three metres underground.

"The idea is that by turning it into holiday let it would preserve it as part of our heritage and provide for those who are interested in a novel experience.

"It is something that will evolve and the market will find itself. But until the decision is made there is no point in investing time and money in the building."