A CAMPAIGN group has rejoiced after plans for a new truck stop on the outskirts of Cirencester were scrapped.

CARG - Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Residents’ Group - first formed when haulage contractors William Gilder Ltd first submitted an application for a new 24/7 roadside truck stop with space for 75 HGVs on land at Ermin Way Farm just off Gloucester Road in Stratton three years ago.

CDC rejected this application in 2020 but William Gilder pledged an appeal against this decision.

CARG members believed that Gilder's proposition threatened the local landscape started an appeal to raise money to appoint Hashi Mohamed and a planning consultant to support the CDC.

Last week the planning inspector backed the decision to refuse the plans, saying the 'alien' development would 'decimate' the tranquillity of the area.

Commenting on the outcome of the appeal, a spokesperson for CARG said: “I would like to thank everyone who played a part in fighting the proposal, many of whom donated funds or skills to the cause.

"I would also to pay tribute to the planning inspector for providing such a detailed and impartial report on her deliberations and numerous visits to the proposed site during the inquiry process.”

Mr Mohamed said: "This truck stop was always in the wrong location and the community always instinctively felt this. 

"It was a real pleasure to work with so many in the local community, particularly Michael St John who was a stalwart member leading the effort."

However, staff at William Gilder have expressed their disappointment on this outcome and believe that there has been a 'distinct lack of recognition and understanding of HGV driver’s basic needs'.

Supporters of Gilder's application have argued that there is a prevalent need for a 24/7 truck stop in the area because at the moment many drivers are forced to sleep in lay-bys and don't have the opportunity to eat a hot meal or use suitable toilet facilities.

A spokesperson for William Gilder said: "The recent refusal our planning application has left not only our staff but our colleagues throughout the industry deeply disappointed. 

"This outcome illustrates a distinct lack of recognition and understanding of HGV driver’s basics needs.

"Decision-makers have missed an opportunity to address the national need for adequate HGV parking and driver facilities. 

"This decision places an additional burden on HGV drivers but also jeopardises road safety and the efficiency of logistics operations on which we all rely on. 

"Without sufficient truck stops, drivers may have to travel longer distances to find suitable parking, leading to increased fatigue, stress, and potential accidents on the road.

"Other plans are in place for the Stratton site, and we will continue to champion driver’s needs and find suitable sites so that drivers do not have to continue to park in unsafe lay-bys, at the mercy of crime."