PLANS to create a sustainable neighbourhood in the South West of Cirencester were met with strong opposition at a consultation at the Ashcroft Centre in Cirencester on Friday May 9.

The well attended event presented an opportunity for people to be involved in the design of the potential development for the site which could accommodate up to 2,500 new homes.

Architects John Thompson& Partners have been tasked to design the homes as well as a business space, a new school and  a range of community facilities.

It is currently drawing up initial design plans based on feeback given at the consultation which will be completed next week.

“Before we even think about developing a conceptual masterplan for the project, it is vital to engage face to face with people who live in the town to understand the local issues and gather views on how they would want this new neighbourhood to take shape”, said Charles Campion, a Partner at John Thompson & Partners.

But several residents that spoke to the Standard at the event blasted the new plans.

Chesterton resident, Lucinder Chapel, said at the event: “We are being asked about it but nobody wants it.
“A guy in the consultation just said stand up if you want it and nobody did.”

 Robin Thompson, said: "We do not have an infrastructure to take on another ten thousand people -  we do not have an infrastructure to take on another 500 to1000 cars."

Catherine Buchanan said she was concerned that a member of the consultation panel did not have any ideas about transport infrastructure on the new development.

"He didn't have any ideas about the infrastructure for traffic. He just said it would be better to refer to the environment officer who knew a lot about transport."

Read the full story in the Standard this week.