Controversial Bourton-on-the-Hill planning decision reversed (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Controversial Bourton-on-the-Hill planning decision reversed

2:00pm Friday 11th January 2013 in Cotswolds news By Ian Craig

A DECISION to approve a planning application for an “overbearing” new home near Moreton-in-Marsh has been reversed.

The application for the house and garage at the rear of Hillcrest Bungalow in Bourton-on-the-Hill was approved at a meeting of Cotswold District Council’s planning committee in October.

However, the application was returned to the planning committee after it was revealed that a previous application on the same site approved in 2007 was still valid, while it had previously been thought it was not.

Ward Cllr Julian Beale (Con, Fosseridge) told members at last week’s committee meeting that residents in the area were strongly against both applications.

“I think out of the two the 2007 is preferable because it’s less damaging,” he said.

Cllr Lee Searles (Lib Dem, Park) said he strongly opposed any development at the site.

“I think if this came up as a new application it would be refused without doubt,” he said.

“It clearly has a massive impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

The application was refused by eight votes to five, with two abstentions, on the grounds of the damage it would cause on the AONB and its “overbearing design”.