The Planning Application by Bromford Housing to build 110 houses on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) land behind Delavale and Mercia Roads has been submitted May 2021.

The deadline for submitting comments is 5pm on 9 June 2021

The Friends of Winchcombe Committee are totally opposed to this development, which if allowed will be very detrimental to Winchcombe and we urge you all to object to it. Please don’t rely on your neighbour to object for you!

We have prepared our summary case on the attached document and you may use this as the basis for any comments you wish to make to Tewkesbury Borough Council.
We have provided many suggested objections and you don’t need to object using every point; use those that strike a particular chord for you. Please do vary the text using your own words. This will be your final opportunity to make your feelings known.


Please make your objections to the application, via email to:
developmentapplications@tewkesbury.gov.uk or post to:
Tewkesbury Borough Council Planning Dept.,
Council Offices,
Gloucester Road,
Tewkesbury, Glos., GL20 5TT using content supplied in the attached letter. Please sign off making it clear that you object to the Plan on the points raised. 

​Thank you for your continued support.


Template letter contents below:
 
 Tewkesbury Borough Council Planning Dept.,
Council Offices,
Gloucester Road,
Tewkesbury, Glos., GL20 5TT


Dear Sirs,

                                           Planning Application Ref:  21/00496/FUL

I am writing with reference to the above planning application. I have studied the plans; I know the site well and I object to this proposed development on the following grounds. 

• The site lies entirely within the Cotswold AONB and the NPPF paragraph 172 states that "planning permission should be refused for major development other than in exceptional circumstances." I contend that there are no justifiable exceptional circumstances for this development.
• Within the AONB, the site has the highest level of landscape protection where great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty. It would be a development of significance which would have an adverse impact on the AONB, by replacing the current open agricultural land with built development. The AONB designation is of long standing and though it is not unalterable, it is readily understood by the public as conferring a particular status and value of land included within the designation, as well as being a matter of great weight in the National Planning Policy Framework.
• Building on this site would diminish the striking views from many public footpaths above the town.
• There are other sites within Winchcombe where the land is far less prominent in terms of visibility from its surroundings.
• Development of this site is in conflict with the objectives of the adopted Cotswolds AONB management plan 2018-2023.
• The Tewkesbury Borough Local Plan, currently undergoing examination, was required to identify housing development land to meet the requirements of the entire borough area. It is submitted that development within the AONB on the northern boundary of Winchcombe is far less suitable than the many alternatives across the borough.
• There are many other locations in neighbouring villages (Bishops Cleeve) and further afield (Ashchurch, Cheltenham, Gloucester) that are not in the AONB where this type of development would be better located. Planners should consider developing in the wider region before considering building in the AONB.
• In the dismissal of the planning appeal made against the refusal for consent for the development of 35 dwellings on land off Kyderminster Road, Winchcombe (16/00481/OUT), the Planning Inspector identified that the main issue for consideration in the appeal was the effect of the proposed development on the AONB. In that case the subject land was identified as agricultural fields on the northern edge of Winchcombe, comprising gently rising ground, adjacent to but outside the residential development boundary of Winchcombe. The inspector noted that "... the development would represent an intrusion of built development into the AONB and would occupy an area of characteristic agricultural land which forms part of the setting of Langley Hill". The inspector went on to state that the proposed development "…amounts to actual harm to the AONB which would be in conflict with policies SD8 of the emerging JCS and 1.1 of the NP". Development of the AONB behind Delavale and Mercia Roads would be even more harmful to Winchcombe in general and the setting of Langley Hill.
• The site is outside the existing settlement boundary of Winchcombe.
• There is no need for this kind of open market housing in the town following recent major housing developments. There will undoubtedly be a market for new houses in these particular pleasant surroundings, but this does not amount to need.
• The application provides for 55 “affordable” houses but no housing needs survey has been recently conducted.
• Winchcombe would be overwhelmed by further estate development. The Town Council and residents want to maintain and enhance the physical character of our town and surroundings for future generations.
• Whilst Winchcombe is identified as a Rural Service Centre and clearly has a good range of community support facilities, further growth of the local population will create extra burdens on the local road network and services.
• A development of this size will add hugely to the number of vehicles accessing the town centre which is already under traffic pressure.
• The application indicates only one site entrance / exit for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians alike. Without a southern access route for cyclists and pedestrians, the site is unsustainable as local car journeys would be greatly encouraged adding to further traffic pressure.

Name:                                                      
Address:

In total, well over 100 letters of objection were sent from members of the public to Tewkesbury Borough Council and many of these were copied to our 3 elected Borough Councillors; Jim Mason, Ron Allen and Janet Day.
 
Additionally, letters of objection were also sent from:
 
Winchcombe Town Council
Gretton Parish Council
Cotswold Conservation Board
Friends of Winchcombe
 
Let's hope that Tewkesbury Borough Council take heed of public opinion and react to such a groundswell of opposition to this unwarranted, damaging and intrusive potential development!
 
Unfortunately, more housing development planning applications are expected for Winchcombe.
 
If you're not already a member of Friends of Winchcombe, why not join us for free by registering via the "SIGN UP" tab. 
Our aim is the protection and preservation of Winchcombe for present and future generations and we'll advise you of any forthcoming planning applications and other issues affecting Winchcombe.
 
Together our voices are louder!

If you wish to object the below information may be helpful.
​
You need to ACT NOW to object to the Turley / Tata proposed development behind Kyderminster Road.

You may think initially that this is not of immediate concern to you BUT there is a very strong likelihood that this is the first of 4 applications from developers relating to development of sites in Winchcombe. Your voice matters, the Neighbourhood Plan will NOT protect Winchcombe as it is still to be ratified.
The closing date to object is 22nd July 2016.

Advice on objecting to planning applications.

VALID OBJECTION REASONS

  Loss of light or overshadowing.

  Overlooking / loss of privacy.

  Landscape impact.

  Visual amenity (but NOT loss of private view).

  Traffic generation (including cumulative effect)

  Excessive bulk or scale.

  Road access and inadequate road system in surrounding area.

  Better alternative sites available.

  Local, strategic, regional and national planning policies.

  Previous planning decisions (incl. appeal decisions)

  Nature conservation; harm to rare plants or animals.

  Impact on a listed building.

  Impact on the setting of a listed building.



INVALID OBJECTION REASONS

  Perceived loss of property value.

  Loss of a view.

  Impact of construction work.

  Restrictive covenants.

  Fence lines etc.

  Personal matters or views about the applicant.

  I don’t like the application..

 

 
GENERAL ADVICE

• Note carefully the closing date for representations.
• Petitions are of no use - they count as one objection!  Your personal letter WILL COUNT!
• The main objective is to avoid decisions being made by council employees and to put the decision in the hands of Tewkesbury's elected representatives; evidence says that we stand more chance with the planning committee. This is achieved by getting at least 10 letters of objection in by the deadline submission date. Therefore we urgently need a minimum of 10 households to object.
• An objection can be as simple as "I object to this planning application" but clearly it is far better to provide VALID reasons. Please vary your words to make your letter personal.
• If the application is rejected, the developer has right of appeal; you have none if it is passed. But representations can be made to the inspectorate.
• If the number of objections is large, it is possible that the applicant may withdraw the application.
• On submission of an application, involve your BOROUGH councillors - this is what you elected them for. Send them a copy of your objection and ask for their support.
• One golden rule - however emotional you feel about a planning application, objective hard facts are what counts.
• Please include the NPPF paragraph exactly as written here for factual accuracy.
• If you are using a statement from a body such as Government, CPRE etc, give the full reference for the reader to be able to fact check on. If possible provide a link in the letter/email.

As this refers to an Outline Planning Application, we suggest keeping your objections fairly “broad”.

Suggested Letter - Your letter should be amended to include your personal view and the issues that matter to you. Please DON’T amend the 4th bullet point.
 

​
Your address – Winchcombe – Cheltenham – Glos – GL54 XXX
 
Miss Lisa Dixon,
Tewkesbury Borough Council Planning Dept.,
Council Offices,
Gloucester Road,
Tewkesbury, Glos., GL20 5TT                                                                                                   Date
 
Planning Application Ref. No. 16/00481/OUT
Dear Miss Dixon,
I write in connection with the above planning application. I have examined the plans and I know the site well. I wish to object strongly to the development of these houses in this location.

• The proposed site of the development is particularly ill-considered. It is in the AONB and building here would diminish the striking views from many public footpaths above the town. Furthermore, there is no need for this kind of open market housing in the town; following recent major housing developments, Winchcombe already has enough market housing. There will undoubtedly be a market for new houses in these particularly pleasant surroundings, but this does NOT amount to need.
• Winchcombe would be overwhelmed by further estate development. The Town Council and residents want to maintain and enhance the physical character of our town and surroundings for future generations. It is important to protect the attractiveness of the AONB viewed from the town and elsewhere.
• There are many other locations in neighbouring towns (Bishops Cleeve) and further afield (Ashchurch, Cheltenham, Gloucester) that are not in the AONB where this type of development would be better located. Planners should consider developing in the wider region before considering building in the AONB.
• The location of this proposed development is not compliant with The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). I refer specifically to Paragraphs 115, 116 and footnote 9 of Paragraph 14. 
• The proposed site is outside of the existing settlement boundary of Winchcombe.
• Winchcombe Neighbourhood Plan is being developed in consultation with the community and Winchcombe Town Council. This states that several recent housing developments have delivered new homes on a scale sufficient to meet the general housing needs of our community for some years to come. For the foreseeable future, therefore the community needs a breathing space from general housing development and the NP seeks to limit new development to small infill sites and proposals designed to meet particular needs. As the site subject to this proposal is not included in the emerging site allocations development plan document, on which the public have been consulted, it goes against the development plan for Winchcombe. 

 
Yours sincerely etc.
 






For information the email addresses for your 3 Borough Councillors are:
Councillor.Mason@tewkesbury.gov.uk
councillor.allen@tewkesbury.gov.uk
councillor.day@tewkesbury.gov.uk

Please follow this link to the Tewkesbury Borough Council Planning website for background details for you to review prior to any potential objections to the site development.

Remember this site was not included in the Neighbourhood Plan and lies within the AONB.

Here is the link  
​publicaccess.tewkesbury.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=O6HI1OQDK3Y00