Plans submitted by Richard Scholes for a bungalow in the village of Eastleach have been refused by the Cotswold District Council planning committee. The proposal, intended as a “forever home” for Mr Scholes and his partner, councillor Helene Mansilla (Liberal Democrat, Lechlade, Kempsford and Fairford South), was considered on 11 August due to Ms Mansilla’s role as a local councillor.
The proposed site is located to the south-east of The Walled Garden at Manor Court, adjacent to Eastleach’s conservation area, within the Cotswold National Landscape. Despite the applicant’s desire to remain part of and contribute to the local community, council officers recommended refusal. Their concerns centred on the location within the designated scenic landscape, the site’s position outside the village boundary, and accessibility issues-specifically, the land being landlocked without direct frontage onto a publicly maintained highway, and insufficient details regarding connections to the public road network.
Neighbour and local resident Roderick Wordie supported the officers' recommendation, emphasising the site’s sensitive position on the rural edge of Eastleach and the risk that allowing the development would set a precedent for the encroachment of agricultural land by domestic properties. He expressed that such a development would neither enhance nor protect the natural characteristics of the Cotswold landscape.
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During the meeting, Mr Scholes' planning agent stressed that the couple’s current home is a nearby flat and described the intended dwelling as high quality, sustainable, and suitable for the setting. He mentioned positive pre-application discussions last year, which were not referenced in the officers' report, indicating that planning permission might be granted subject to appropriate design, particularly considering the district’s lack of a five-year housing land supply. The agent also argued that the site is not agricultural land, citing its domestic features-such as a greenhouse, maintained lawn, and established trees-visible in aerial photographs over the past 40 years, and stated that access would be via an existing shared lane.
Eastleach Parish Council formally objected to the application, citing concerns over encroachment on the conservation area and detrimental effects on the character of the Cotswold National Landscape.
Conservative councillor David Fowles (Coln Valley), who has been the ward member for three years, voiced surprise at the applicants' claims of using the property as their “forever home,” noting he had not observed their involvement in the village community. He criticised the lack of engagement with the parish council regarding the proposals and highlighted the importance of Manor Court and its surroundings as a heritage asset. Councillor Fowles expressed strong support for refusal and urged his colleagues to follow the officers’ recommendation, emphasising the significance of the national landscape designation.
Following his declaration, the council’s legal officer advised Councillor Fowles to recuse himself from the debate due to potential bias, which he accepted and left the room.
During deliberations, councillors acknowledged the area’s agricultural appearance and unanimously voted to reject the application, aligning with the planning officers' advice.