A controversial bid to build three closely packed homes in the village of Berry Hill, near Coleford in Gloucestershire, has been approved despite strong concerns from local councillors. The development involves demolishing the existing bungalow at 32 Tudor Walk and constructing two-storey houses with parking spaces and rear gardens on the modest 0.053-hectare site.
During the Forest of Dean District Council’s development management committee meeting, several councillors expressed unease over the limited space around the houses. Councillor John Francis noted that garden access paths would be only 650mm on one side and 850mm on the other, expressing a preference for semi-detached homes rather than the proposed layout. Councillor Patrick Kyne agreed, describing the site as “too tight” and preferring two terraced houses instead of three.
Other councillors shared these views, with Councillor Beth Llewelyn even proposing to refuse the plans due to the perceived excessive density on the small plot. The chairman, Dave Wheeler, acknowledged the concerns, suggesting the homes might result in cramped living conditions and increased overlooking of neighbouring properties.
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However, planning officers maintained that the proposed homes meet the required standards and advised that there were no clear legal grounds to refuse permission. Attempts to defer the decision to allow resubmission of revised plans were also discouraged.
Despite clear discomfort with the proposal, councillors ultimately voted seven in favour, one against, and one abstention to approve the development. Chairman Wheeler summed up the sentiment, stating that while the committee was not happy with the application, no sufficient planning reasons existed to reject it.