A COUNCIL is fighting plans to build a modernist glass and zinc property within a conservation area near Moreton-in-Marsh.

Bourton-on-the-Hill Parish Council are against the proposal to build the home to the rear of the Hillcrest site, next to the Horse & Groom pub, and say residents are ‘up in arms against the plans’.

Developers submitted plans in April, hoping to gain planning permission to construct a 5,200 sq ft five-bedroom house, consisting of a wall of glass on the hillside site, behind a Grade I listed church.

Andy Vigrass, chairman of the parish council, said: “We understand why someone wants to build here, it’s a beautiful village – but they will simply walk away with their profits.

“Their profits should not be at the price of ruining our village.

“There is no planning reason to put the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation area and listed buildings behind developer profit.”

He said the villagers feel “if this design goes ahead it would set a precedent. The preservation of every small village in the Cotswolds is at risk with this proposal.”

Mrs Kay Harris, nearby resident, said: “There will be severe light pollution affecting all adjacent properties due to the excess of glass.

“The very popular pub, the Horse & Groom, will have the very well-used garden severely affected by the close proximity of the development.

“I am of the view that all the proposed applications, and this is no exception, have been far too large for the size of the plot.”

In a report from conservation officer Justin Ayton, dated June 10, he advised Cotswold District Council’s (CDC) planning committee to “pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance” of the conservation area when making its decision.

However, he pointed out that “several previous schemes have been consented in this location” and the current proposal “would be no higher than that which was previously permitted and at the rear would rise above the ground level by only just over a single storey.”

He said the proposed building is a “high-quality, contemporary design, albeit utilising natural Cotswold stone” and so rooting it “firmly within its context.”

Mr Ayton added that it is “precisely the type of innovative design which section 7 of the National Planning Policy Framework specifically encourages.”

He went on to say that whilst much of the village is built in a “traditional vernacular style, there are already distinct exceptions to this” – including Bourton House and the Horse & Groom pub, as well as the Manor House.

He noted: “None of the buildings [listed above] make much concession to the local vernacular, other than the use of local stone.

“All would have appeared contemporary and innovative and even quite alien when first built, but which with time have mellowed into the local landscape and consciousness without diminishing any of their architectural quality as expressions of their age.”

To view the application, visit the CDC planning portal, and type in 16/01777/FUL.