Bourton residents have say on housing plans (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Bourton residents have say on housing plans

11:00am Saturday 30th June 2012 in News By Ian Craig

RESIDENTS have been given the chance to have their say on a proposed housing development in Bourton-on-the-Water which some residents fear could have a massive impact on the village.

Property developers Bloor Homes have presented their plans for a 171-home development to the west of Roman Way.

This is the larger of two proposed housing developments in the village, with a development by Pegasus Homes of up to 100 homes off Station Road also in the planing stages.

Guy Wakefield with planning consultants Hunter Page was on hand to answer residents’ questions, said the plans had been modified after feedback from residents.

“Overall we feel this is the most obvious site in Bourton for a development of this size and it seems that most people agree, although obviously not all,” he said.

“We are still welcoming comments from residents and we are consulting with officers from Cotswold District Council before we make a formal application.”

He added they had taken account of residents concerns that the site would be vulnerable to flooding and were awaiting the results of a survey from Thames Water about this, and that the development would include a large amount of affordable and social housing.

Last week CDC announced it had met its five-year target for new homes, meaning that there is no requirement for any new homes to be built.

Fiona Formby, press officer with residents group Bourton Against Development, said the group welcomed the news, but was still concerned about the proposals.

“The site they’re looking at is currently a beautiful meadow with lots of wildlife – not to mention that it’s greenbelt land within the AONB,” she said.

“The problem is we need affordable homes in Gloucestershire because otherwise young people can’t afford to get on the housing ladder, but developers won’t build them without also building a load of market-value homes so they can make a profit.

“Unfortunately this means that villages get what they need in this respect – but at a cost.”

Any comments on the proposed development should be sent directly to Bloor Homes on west@bloorhomes.com