RESIDENTS of Fairford have been invited to express their views on a planning application which could see up to 92 dwellings built on land off Horcott Road.

Councillors are looking to hear from townspeople regarding the application - which has already been met with objections - at the town council’s (FTC) annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday (May 26).

The application was submitted by Gladman Development Ltd (GDL) at the end of last month and, if approved by Cotswold District Council’s (CDC) planning committee, would include up to 50 per cent affordable homes, as well as a children’s play area.

35 per cent of the site would also be used to create new formal and informal public open space, including allotments, while access to the development would be provided off Horcott Road via footpaths.

The FTC annual meeting will be held at 7pm in the Farmor Room at the town’s community centre.

FTC is then also holding a planning meeting next Tuesday (31) specifically for councillors to discuss the application in light of the information and local opinions gathered at the AGM.

GDL distributed leaflets to 449 households and businesses within proximity of the site as part of an open consultation on March 7 outlining the development, with 21 people initially responding by post and via email.

The majority of responses during the consultation phase, as well as since the application has been submitted, have been in objection to the plans, citing reasons including increased levels of traffic, the loss of green space being damaging to the character of Fairford, the nearby school already being at capacity and increased pressure on the local GP surgery.

Resident Kate Stephenson wrote: “The Horcott Road junction is very tight and narrow. London Road cannot cope with an additional 200+ cars (average two cars per residence). Up to 400 extra journeys per day.

“There are not enough school places for current children. They are having to attend schools in neighbouring villages. Doctor's waiting for appointments is currently three weeks.”

The developers also wrote to FTC, and CDC ward councillors for Fairford outlining the proposals of the planning application on March 10.

The Gladman leaflet includes the statement: “Whilst we fully understand why people may have concerns, they need to be balanced against the requirement to provide much needed new houses, to meet the differing needs of an increasing population and address housing affordability.

“We all know and accept that more housing is needed and a stance of ‘put it elsewhere’ will result in not enough houses being built.”

Visit your-views.co.uk/fairford or the CDC planning portal using the reference 16/01766/OUT for more information and to comment on the application.