Controversial plans to build more than 120 homes on farmland near Shurdington, on the outskirts of Cheltenham, have been approved despite strong local opposition and traffic congestion concerns.
Ullenwood Investments Ltd received the green light from Tewkesbury Borough Council to develop over 16 acres of land, which includes demolishing an existing property called Shimba to create access onto Badgeworth Lane. At least half of the new homes will be affordable, developed in partnership with Bromford Housing.
Despite this, more than 120 people signed a petition opposing the scheme, citing worries about increased traffic and insufficient local services. Residents fear the development will exacerbate congestion on already busy roads and erode the narrow Green Belt land separating Cheltenham and Gloucester.
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The plans include traffic calming measures such as vehicle-activated speed signs, a 20mph speed limit in parts of the village, and upgrades at the nearby A46 junction — including enhanced bus stops, new footpaths, crossings, and traffic signals.
At the planning committee meeting, local resident Jim Bailey described the community opposition as “total rejection.” He warned that approving the development would create a continuous urban sprawl between Cheltenham and Gloucester, undermining the purpose of Green Belt protections. He urged the council to defer the decision for a more comprehensive assessment that would consider the impact of all nearby sites collectively.
Conversely, Oliver Rider, the planning agent, argued the proposal aligns with council policies and government provisions to meet housing needs. He highlighted that Shurdington is classified as a “service village,” appropriate for new housing, and noted that the site ranks highest among service villages in size and facilities within the borough.
Council officers clarified that the site did not meet the criteria for being designated as Green Belt but acknowledged ongoing comprehensive reviews of Green Belt status, with findings expected later in the year. Highways representatives reported no record of traffic collisions associated with the area, although they recognized parking congestion during school hours.
Despite lingering unease—councillor Mel Gore acknowledged committee members were “not happy” with the proposal—no valid planning grounds existed for refusal. Consequently, the committee approved the plans, with Councillor Matt Dimond-Brown seconding the motion “with a very heavy heart,” reflecting the community’s mixed sentiments.