Decision on Hartpury homes plan as locals fears skyline damage

Core Strategic Land Ltd’s plans to develop land off Foley Road in Hartpury have been rejected.

Forest of Dean District Council’s development management committee considered the proposals at their meeting on April 11.

The developers said the scheme provided suitable growth for Hartpury and offered a further contribution to the village’s housing numbers while keeping to the current pattern of development.

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“The site is well screened and in comparison to other sites currently being promoted along the A417 its landscape visual impact is minimal,” the applicant said in their design and access statement.

“They also said the provision of additional homes will assist the delivery of the district council’s current undersupply of housing.

But speaking at the meeting Clare Brockhurst, an objector, called on the committee to refuse the planning application and said it was entirely at odds with the character of the village. She said the amount of houses planned for the site was unacceptable as it fails to protect or enhance the character of the Hartpury area

“There’s an alternative for 26 units off Over Old Road where the decision is pending which is a significant less sensitive location,” she said.

Mark Clarke of Hartpury Parish Council also spoke against the scheme and said the number of houses was far too high for the plot of land. He also said it would create a permanent eyesore on that part of rural Gloucestershire.

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Ward councillor Philip Burford (I, Hartpury and Redmarley) called on the committee to protect the “skyline site”.

He explained the village has fought against development of the site for more than 20 years.

He also said the site had “huge environmental potential”. “The site will be visible from miles away. The views from the north will be spoiled by this built form on the edge of the escarpment,” he said.

Councillor David Wheeler (G, Newland and Sling) proposed rejecting the scheme as it was outside development area and would damage the skyline landscape.

This was seconded by Coun Lynn Sterry (L, Cinderford West). Coun Simon Phelps (I, Westbury-on-Severn) agreed with Coun Wheeler and said it is definitely a prominent site in the village and housing there would be very obtrusive to the surrounding area. The committee voted unanimously to reject the proposals.