AN APPLICATION to develop and convert a disused hotel site at Windrush, near Northleach has been permitted.

Keay Homes applied to convert an unfinished motel on the A40 Windrush section to form 16 apartments. The application was permitted by Cotswold District Council’s planning committee yesterday.

It was agreed that Keay Homes would also develop the petrol filling station already on site as well as the restaurant, parking and access points.

Cllr Carole Topple said the site at the moment was clearly an “eyesore.”

Andrew McKerlie of Windrush Parish Meeting said the parish was against the development due to concerns that the site would have no connection to the village and the fact that the apartments would be on a very fast section of the A40, where a fatality occurred on Tuesday this week.

“There are no shops, no pubs or schools nearby. There isn’t even any public transport,” he said. “The site is also in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

Agent to the developer Tom Hart said he naturally supported the officer’s recommendation to permit the application.

“The applicant and myself have been liaising with Windrush Parish Meeting and I think the site is in a prominent location” he said.

“The petrol station and store will be developed and the site will be designed in keeping with the area. The complete build will also have no detrimental impact to the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” Eleven members voted in favour of the recommendation with two voting against and Cllr Anne Nicolle abstaining.