Bid for A417 Cotswold lorry park quashed over harm to landscape

A planning inspector has quashed controversial plans to build a new lorry park which residents feared would harm the beautiful Cotswold[1] countryside. William Gilder Ltd’s plans to build the new 75-space truck stop on land at Gloucester Road near the A417 in Stratton were rejected in March last year.

More than 370 people opposed the scheme and Cotswold District Council[2] refused planning permission over ecological, agricultural and landscape concerns. But this decision was challenged by the developer.

They said such facilities are needed to cater to the needs of lorry drivers who are already on the road network and need a safe and secure place to rest. The A417[3] and A419 network between Gloucester and Swindon accommodates more than 5,000 freight movements a day, their barrister told the planning inquiry earlier this year.

Did you see this story? Villagers pop Champagne as new bridge over 'dangerous' Gloucestershire ford is unveiled[4]

Want more local politics stories? Here are the latest on Gloucestershire politics[5]

The facilities would reduce the risk of lorry thefts and there are no similar sites within a 20 minute drive, they also said.

But now planning inspector Johanna Ayres has ruled in favour of the council and upheld their decision. She said in her decision notice of November 6 that the proposal would provide economic benefits through the creation of jobs, and in supporting the haulage industry.

However, the proposed facilities[6] would provide a very limited contribution to the surrounding area. She also said it would harm the character and appearance of the area.

“I find that the great weight to be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty in the area of outstanding natural beauty outweighs the weight attributable to increasing the provision of truck stops facilities in this area, and the limited economic and biodiversity benefits of the appeal scheme.”

“I find that the planning balance falls against the proposed development.”

District Councillor Julia Judd[7] (C, Ermin) said she was greatly relieved by the decision. She said the two main issues were the effect on the character and appearance of the Cotswold AONB and whether there is a need for the development when there is scope for such facilities outside the designated exceptional landscape.

Consultants working on behalf of the applicant say there is a “dire need” for roadside truck stop facilities along the A417. Consultants working on behalf of the applicant say there is a “dire need” for roadside truck stop facilities along the A417.

“This has been a long, long journey. I addressed residents on a freezing, misty morning in a field in early 2021, to run through the planning procedure and policies and have liaised regularly with planning officers and residents ever since. This application has seen several case officers and a planning committee hearing in March 2022, where the refusal was unanimous.

“Local objection was supported by CPRE, the Cotswold National Landscape and other countryside groups and was so strong that the Cotswold Area Residents Group was formed to put up their own legal counsel, who worked seamlessly alongside the CDC and their Counsel during the appeal process. I congratulate CARG and their Counsel on their thoughtful, collaborative and positive approach.”

District Councillor Paul Hodgkinson[8] (LD, Chedworth & Churn Valley) said building a lorry park in a green field never felt right to him. A lot of people worked very hard to lobby to get to this position. So I think common sense has definitely prevailed on this one.”

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References

  1. ^ Cotswold (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  2. ^ Cotswold District Council (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  3. ^ A417 (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  4. ^ Villagers pop Champagne as new bridge over 'dangerous' Gloucestershire ford is unveiled (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  5. ^ Here are the latest on Gloucestershire politics (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  6. ^ the proposed facilities (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  7. ^ Councillor Julia Judd (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  8. ^ Paul Hodgkinson (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  9. ^ iPhone (apps.apple.com)
  10. ^ Android (play.google.com)

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