Plans to build 160 homes on over 12 acres north of Brook Lane in Down Hatherley, a village along the A38 near Gloucester, have been approved despite strong opposition and concerns about sewage infrastructure and legal access.
Tewkesbury Borough Council reviewed the reserved matters—covering the development’s appearance, access, landscaping, layout, and scale—on July 15, supporting St Modwen Homes Ltd’s project. The development will include 104 market-rate houses and 56 affordable homes. The housing mix features 29 four-bedroom, 54 three-bedroom, and 21 two-bedroom houses, alongside affordable units such as one-bedroom flats, two-bedroom bungalows, and a variety of two, three, and four-bedroom houses. Shared ownership options will also be included.
However, local residents and parish councils from Down Hatherley, Twigworth, and Innsworth have voiced serious concerns. Their objections focus on repeated sewage problems, including reports of sewage backup into toilets, showers, and gardens, and frequent flooding events. Residents highlighted numerous incidents where sewage has burst through manholes, particularly in Ash Lane, causing distress and health risks.
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Critics describe the area’s sewage system as outdated and incapable of handling current demands, let alone additional strain from hundreds of new homes. The Ash Lane pumping station, specifically, was cited as antiquated and insufficient.
Concerns were also raised about access rights. David Evans of Down Hatherley Parish Council stressed that no legal right of access currently exists across Brook Lane, which remains a private bridleway. Without secured access, he argued, the development site is not viable.
Residents worry that the new development will exacerbate traffic issues in Twigworth Green, adversely affecting local amenities. Objectors like Lesley Rooney questioned the legality of using Brook Lane for access, suggesting unconventional solutions for the landlocked site, such as helipads instead of garages.
Representing the developer, Matthew Bunt emphasized existing support from planning officers and noted that the site is an allocated location for housing in Tewkesbury. He acknowledged drainage concerns but assured that these had been investigated previously. A planning condition will ensure no work commences on the site until access issues across Brook Lane are resolved.
Despite ongoing opposition, the committee voted to approve the project, granting delegated permission to proceed.