Housing appeal is dismissed (From Cotswold Journal)

Housing appeal is dismissed

10:30am Thursday 27th September 2012 in News

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a housing development in Chipping Campden have been dismissed on appeal.

Proposals to build 18 homes at Badgers Field, George Lane, by Loughborough Developments have faced fierce opposition from residents at every stage.

The application, which was rejected by Cotswold District Council, received 171 letters of objection and a petition, with 96 signatures. The developers lodged an appeal after the council’s decision, and on Tuesday it was dismissed by planning inspector David Morgan.

He based his decision on several factors, including the location of the site outside the defined settlement boundary and its effect on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the local conservation area and other heritage assets. The developers had planned to build nine affordable houses and nine private homes, but Mr Morgan said he did not consider that this benefit outweighed the harm caused by the proposal.

Councillor Sue Jepson, cabinet member for planning, said: “The ward members are delighted with the inspector’s decision because he listened to local opinion, especially the importance of the AONB in areas such as Chipping Campden.

“We are not against the development of new homes in the area, but we are conscious of the need to preserve the landscape which makes the Cotswolds special.”

Former Chipping Campden mayor, Mark Annett, said: “It is great that the local people have been listened to.”