245-homes plan next to “smelly” sewage works up for debate

Civic chiefs are set to debate plans to build 245 homes near “smelly” sewage works in Gloucester next week.

Gladman Developments’ proposals to build the new houses at Hill Farm in Hempsted Lane were submitted to Gloucester City Council in March 2020.

However, a planning inspector will decide the fate of the proposals after the developer lodged an appeal for non-determination earlier this year.

And city councillors will give their views on the proposals at a planning committee meeting on July 5.

The developers say their overall vision for the 30-acre site is to provide a distinctive and high-quality place, which responds to the existing site setting and character of the west of Gloucester.

“The scheme will provide up to 245 dwellings which would comprise a range of house types to meet the needs of the area, whilst respecting and enhancing the site’s boundaries and adjacent land uses,” the planning documents read.

“Housing will be complemented by open space which will link into the existing public footpath network in the vicinity of the site, which leads both into Hempsted village and the wider local area.”

A report by council officers says the development will likely be affected by smell from Netheridge Sewage Treatment Works. The site lies within the Cordon Sanitaire constraint area of the local plan and officers say the development should not go ahead.

They said if an appeal for non determination had not been lodged the plans would have been recommended for refusal because the scheme is not sustainable. They also say the proposals do not provide affordable housing and are against planning policies.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) also said the proposals should be turned down as they lie within the Cordon Sanitaire.

He said: “It’s disappointing that the cyber attack affected the planning portal and caused a delay to the planning application.

“The council was put in a difficult situation and I would be pleased to see if the planning committee recommends it is refused. It would also ruin the lovely rural aspect of the landscape in Hempsted.

“As you approach Gloucester from the south, on your left you have a view of a lovely landscape and the village on the top of the hill. That would be covered in houses if the plans are approved.”

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk