Plans submitted by Richard Scholes and his partner, councillor Helene Mansilla, to build a bungalow in the picturesque Cotswold village of Eastleach have been rejected by the local planning committee.
The application proposed constructing a bungalow on a plot located to the south-east of The Walled Garden at Manor Court. Due to the planning link with councillor Mansilla representing Lechlade, Kempsford and Fairford South, the proposal was referred to the Cotswold District Council planning committee on 11 August.
Supporters emphasised that the new dwelling would serve as the couple’s “forever home,” enabling them to continue living in and contributing to the local community. However, planning officers recommended refusal, citing the site’s sensitive location within the Cotswold National Landscape immediately adjacent to Eastleach’s conservation area.
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Officers highlighted that the site was landlocked, lacking direct frontage onto a highway maintainable at public expense, and that there was insufficient information to prove connection feasibility to the public highway.
Neighbour Roderick Wordie expressed strong support for the refusal, emphasising the need to protect Eastleach’s rural character. He described the site as open countryside on the sensitive rural edge of the village, warning that permitting development there would set a precedent for domesticating agricultural land outside the village boundary, thereby harming the Cotswold’s natural landscape.
During the meeting, Mr Scholes’ planning agent clarified that the couple’s current main residence is a nearby flat, and the proposed bungalow represents their intended long-term home. The agent described the planned dwelling as high quality and sustainable, suitable for the setting. He also noted positive pre-application discussions the previous year, which suggested that, with suitable design and the absence of a five-year housing land supply, permission might be granted.
The agent further stated that the site was not agricultural in use, pointing to features such as a greenhouse, maintained lawn, and established trees visible in aerial imagery over the past four decades. He also indicated that access to the site could be gained via an existing shared lane.
Eastleach Parish Council formally objected to the development, noting that it would encroach upon the conservation area and fail to enhance the character of the Cotswold National Landscape.
Conservative councillor David Fowles, representing Coln Valley, voiced surprise at the applicant’s claims about making the site their permanent home. Having served as ward member for three years, he said he had never observed the councillor at the site. Cllr Fowles also lamented the lack of engagement with the parish council regarding the proposals, describing it as “very, very surprising.”
He stressed the importance of Manor Court and its surroundings as significant heritage assets that contribute greatly to Eastleach’s setting. Supporting the parish council’s concerns and the neighbour’s objection, Cllr Fowles urged his fellow councillors to back the officer’s recommendation and refuse the application.
Following his statement, the council’s legal officer advised that Cllr Fowles should not participate in the debate due to potential preformed views, suggesting he may not be approaching the matter with an open mind. Cllr Fowles responded that he had arrived with an open mind but altered his position after hearing the agent’s remarks, subsequently agreeing to leave the room.
During deliberations, councillors concurred that the site retained an “agricultural feel,” affirming its rural character. Ultimately, the committee unanimously voted to reject the application in accordance with the planning officer’s recommendation, thereby denying permission for the proposed bungalow.