Plans to develop 54 affordable homes at Lynton Fields in Quedgeley have sparked strong opposition despite receiving approval from Gloucester City Council. Local residents raised serious apprehensions about road safety and the proposed location of a sewage pumping station near existing homes.
The development, led by Bowsall Developments Limited and Platform Housing Limited, was scrutinized amid community objections. Previously, the site was occupied by a chicken farm, with access via Naas Lane, an access point flagged for safety concerns in past proposals.
The new housing scheme comprises a mix of one-bedroom flats, two-bedroom bungalows and houses, three-bedroom homes, several four-bedroom houses, and one five-bedroom property. However, at least 18 formal objections were submitted before the council meeting.
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Objector Nick Hartshorn voiced strong opposition, highlighting past refusals of commercial uses due to the dangers of access through Naas Lane. He criticized the pedestrian connection planned onto a busy and blind private track, raising fears about safety risks.
A particular point of contention is the decision to place a sewage pumping station just ten metres from Mr. Hartshorn’s home. He emphasized the potential impacts from noise, vibration, odour, and increased maintenance traffic, pointing out the absence of an environmental assessment addressing these issues.
Further discontent arose over the layout, which clusters socially rented homes near existing residents, with shared ownership houses positioned farther away. Mr. Hartshorn described the entire plan as “spiteful” and condemned the assignment of a new postcode, GL2 2FU, as “astonishingly insensitive.”
In contrast, Joanne McGrath, planning consultant for the developers, defended the project, emphasizing the urgent need for affordable housing in the area. She highlighted that the scheme includes accessible wheelchair-friendly homes, improvements to highways infrastructure including a new bus shelter, and enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes.
McGrath also pointed out the council’s current inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, stressing the importance of granting permission for affordable housing developments to address significant local demand.
During the council debate, some councillors expressed concerns about traffic problems and onsite industrial adjacencies. Councillor Andy Lewis warned that Naas Lane could turn into a rat run, causing congestion and disruption. Councillor Alastair Chambers described the plan as overdevelopment and poorly conceived.
Conversely, Councillors Karen James, Usman Bhaimia, and Angela Conder supported the proposal, citing the pressing housing shortage, nearby development context, and satisfactory layout with well-spaced homes.
Ultimately, the planning committee approved the project, with only one councillor opposing, moving forward with a plan that continues to divide opinion between community safety concerns and the dire need for affordable housing.