News / Development
Plans for 350 homes rejected but decision now out of councillors’ hands
Councillors have unanimously refused plans for 350 homes but the decision is out of their hands because developers have already lodged an appeal after a deadline was missed.
South Gloucestershire Council strategic sites delivery committee voted 9-0 to deny permission for the housing estate called The Orchards, despite planning officers recommending approval for the scheme north of Oldbury Lane near Thornbury.
However, the meeting on Thursday was told that applicants Hill Group (behind developments in Bristol including the former caravan site at Baltic Wharf and Raleigh Road in Southville) have appealed in the last few days to the government’s Planning Inspectorate for non-determination.
That means the local authority no longer has the power to reject the proposals because the greenfield site, next to where 595 homes are about to be built west of Park Farm on Butt Lane, is not included in the draft Local Plan blueprint.
Hill Group plan to build 350 homes, including 40% affordable housing, alongside a community hub, play areas, a community orchard and space for community food growing – image: Hill Group
Thornbury Town Council and 73 residents objected to the development, with Lib Dem councillor Chris Davies, speaking on behalf of the town council, saying “it’s just too much in the wrong place”.
Councillors expressed concerns that a proposed extension of the T1 bus service to Park Farm had been deemed to be impossible by First because double-deckers could not use the route.
Roger Hall from campaign group TRAPP’D (Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development) said it was a “speculative and grossly cynical application”.
But South Glos Council principal planning officer Helen Ainsley said the proposal “would offer a wide range of public benefits”.
Ainsley said: “When taken together, the package can be given substantial weight on the positive side of the planning balance.
“There would be harm to heritage assets. However, the benefits would clearly outweigh the harm that would arise.
“The decision comes out quite heavily in favour of approving it.”
No council officers, such as from highways and conservation, objected subject to conditions despite a report to the committee saying there would be some harm to the setting of Grade II-listed Spring Farm farmhouse and Yew Tree Farm.
Main image: Hill Group
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
