Plans by Bowsall Developments Limited and Platform Housing Limited to build 54 affordable homes at Lynton Fields, Naas Lane, Quedgeley, have been approved by Gloucester City Council despite strong opposition from local residents worried about road safety and environmental disturbance.
The site, formerly occupied by a chicken farm, features hardstanding areas and an existing access road from Naas Lane. The housing proposal includes a diverse mix of units: eight one-bedroom flats, two two-bedroom bungalows, sixteen two-bedroom homes, twenty-two three-bedroom houses, five four-bedroom houses, and one five-bedroom home.
Neighbor objections were numerous, with at least 18 formal complaints registered before the council meeting. Objector Nick Hartshorn voiced concerns at North Warehouse, highlighting the history of applications for commercial use in the area being refused due to the dangerous access via Naas Lane and the risks of overusing a private track.
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He emphasized the hazards of a proposed pedestrian spur onto a track frequently used by vehicles without proper visibility measures, calling the entire application “particularly spiteful.” Hartshorn was especially distressed that a sewage pumping station would be located just ten meters from his home, warning about continuous noise, vibration, odors, and maintenance traffic, without any impact assessment offered.
Additionally, Hartshorn pointed out that socially rented homes would be clustered along the boundary of existing residents, with shared-ownership properties pushed to the back of the site. The new postcode, GL2 2FU, he noted, reflects a level of insensitivity toward the community.
In defense of the project, planning consultant Joanne McGrath explained that the development would provide vital affordable housing options, including affordable rent and shared ownership units, with wheelchair-adaptable properties ensuring inclusivity. She stressed that highway improvements, such as a new bus shelter and enhanced pedestrian and cycling routes, would accompany the development.
McGrath further argued the site’s sustainability, noting its proximity to schools, employment, public transport, and local services. With Gloucester City Council currently unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, she urged the committee to give significant weight to the delivery of affordable housing.
Council members expressed mixed views during the debate. Councillor Andy Lewis voiced worries about Naas Lane becoming a “rat run,” yet acknowledged that pressing housing needs limited grounds for refusal. Councillor Karen James highlighted the long waiting list for homes and endorsed the development as a suitable infill given nearby projects.
Councillor Usman Bhaimia concurred about the urgent housing demand. However, Councillor Alastair Chambers criticized the development as overdevelopment next to industrial units and a busy lane and was unsupportive. Committee chair Councillor Angela Conder expressed approval of the layout, appreciating the spacing of the homes.
Ultimately, the committee approved the plans with only one councillor opposed, moving forward with the contentious development amid ongoing resident unease.