Farmers shop put on hold (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Farmers shop put on hold

2:11pm Thursday 6th September 2007 in News By Emma Tilley

CONTROVERSIAL plans to create an agricultural machinary dealership next to Cirencester Cattle Market has been put on hold amid concerns that more large farm vehicles will block the small country roads.

The application for the store selling specialised farm machinery next to the livestock market in Driffield was debated by members of Cotswold District Council's planning committee last Wednesday.

The application included plans to extend the car park for the livestock market. However councillors said they needed to view the site before making a decision.

Ward councillor David Fowles (Hampton, Cons) said: "It is extremely difficult for two cars to pass side by side down the small road that leads to the market. It is not just about increase in traffic flow, we are talking about very large vehicles going down there. I had to reverse all the way through the village the other day to let a combine harvester through."

Driffield's residents objected to the dealership on the grounds the development was impinging on the rural surroundings.

Resident and objector Moira Moore said at the meeting: "The expansion of the site is to benefit the agricultural community but there are no safeguards that if this should fail the site would not be used for commercial or industrial activity."

Representing the parish council Richard Ottom said: "If this application is granted, the site will rival Love Lane in Cirencester."

Cllr Carole Topple (Riversmeet, Cons) said: "I think this is a step too far and the implications on the roads are huge."

However Cllr David Broad (Chedworth, Cons) said the livestock market site was barely visible from the road.

He said: "As you come hurtling down the road what does catch your eye is the water park development on the other side."

Members of the planning committee will visit the site before making a decision and asked for a report from Gloucestershire Highways.