PLANS for a new residential development of 54 new houses in Lechlade have been rejected.
The application was submitted by property developer Hallam Land Management to Cotswold District Council on Tuesday, September 19.
The same developer previously submitted an application for 100 homes, which was withdrawn, across a more expansive site in the same area in 2022.
A planning statement prepared by Hallam Land Management outlined proposals for 54 new homes (which included 22 affordable homes), highway access from The Wern, a new pedestrian route, cemetery extension and associated works.
The proposed site was on 3.51 hectares of land located on the western flank of Lechlade, north of High Street (A417), just off The Wern.
This site has previously been used as agricultural land and is bounded by hedgerows and trees.
The planning and design statement stated: "The development would significantly contribute to the supply of a mix of housing to meet identified local needs, and any potential adverse effects can be satisfactorily mitigated through planning conditions and planning obligations."
However, CDC issued a decision notice on Thursday, January 18 refusing this application due to several reasons.
The primary reason given by CDC was that the proposed development would result in the erection of new-build open market housing which didn't align with CDC's local plan or Fairford's own neighbourhood plan.
In the letter, CDC's business manager of development and sustainability Phil Shaw said: "The proposed development will result in the significant encroachment of residential development into the open countryside to the detriment of the rural character, appearance and setting of the town.
"The proposal will have an urbanising impact on the locality and undermine the relationship of the town with the adjacent landscape."
Mr Shaw added: "The current proposal will harm aspects of the setting of the Lechlade Conservation Area that contributes positively to its significance as a designated heritage asset.
"There are no public benefits that outweigh the identified harm."
In addition, a legal agreement had not been completed.
To view the full application and the decision notice visit tinyurl.com/zecwfeev
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here