Angry residents of Hunts Grove, a sprawling new village near Gloucester with over 2,500 homes and more than 8,000 expected inhabitants, are expressing deep frustration after developers Crest Nicholson significantly scaled back plans for much-needed community facilities. Originally promised a vibrant community hub including playing fields and a community centre, these amenities have been delayed for years and now face reductions, sparking outrage among residents and local representatives.
At a recent Stroud District Council development control committee meeting, the ongoing shortfall of shops, recreational areas, and community spaces emerged as a key concern. Residents have been waiting over four years for the promised playing fields and community centre, and Matthew Thomas, chairman of Hunts Grove Parish Council, criticized the district council for failing to hold developers accountable.
“We were sold a dream when we bought our houses,” Thomas stated. “Glossy brochures showcased extensive community promises, bearing both Crest’s and the council’s logos. But that dream has slowly turned into a disappointment. The vital community hub has been scaled down at every turn.” He attributed these setbacks to developer mismanagement and cost constraints imposed on the project.
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What was initially proposed as a modern, fully functional sports centre—featuring pitches for all ages, a multi-use pavilion with changing rooms, and facilities to support a growing community—has now been drastically reduced. According to Thomas, the playing pitches are inadequate, and the originally promised changing rooms have been removed altogether, leaving the community’s needs unmet.
Bradley Stone, land director at Crest Nicholson, acknowledged the delays and described the development process as “complicated and protracted,” expressing appreciation for the parish council’s collaboration. He confirmed that the approval of the latest proposals would enable construction to begin this summer.
Councillor Helen Fenton raised concerns about the management and ownership of the facilities, questioning whether they would eventually fall under parish council oversight or remain with a management company. Chairman Martin Baxendale indicated the council is exploring the broader challenges of management companies handling public spaces connected with housing developments.
Councillor Gary Luff described the plans as a compromise that at least delivers some facilities to the community but acknowledged that Hunts Grove remains sorely lacking in amenities as it grows. Councillor Demelza Turner-Wilkes highlighted the multiple failures surrounding the development, including a school delayed by three years and a complete absence of shops or a neighborhood centre despite significant investment from residents over the past decade.
“These breaches should have been addressed by the council years ago,” Turner-Wilkes said. “It’s unacceptable that residents have been left without the infrastructure promised when they first moved in.” She warned that if the community building is handed over to a management company and fails to generate income, it could translate into additional costs for residents in future phases.
Despite the widespread dissatisfaction, the development control committee voted eight in favor and one abstention to approve the reduced facility plans, recognizing them as the best achievable solution under the circumstances.