Approval for major development near Gloucester

Communities secretary Hazel Blears has decided to grant outline planning approval for a major, residential-led, mixed-use development on the edge of Gloucester which was opposed by the city council and some local residents and but supported by Stroud District Council in whose area the scheme's site lies.

The consent, in line with the overall recommendation of the planning inspector who held the call-in inquiry earlier this year, is conditional on phasing requirements designed to mitigate concern that the project would have a detrimental impact on a number of regeneration projects in the city.

The Hunts Grove development at Colethrop Farm, Hardwicke, was proposed by St Modwen Properties and Crest Strategic Projects and included plans for 1,750 dwellings, a neighbourhood centre – including a new primary school - allotments and recreational open space.

The minister's decision letter concluded that the scheme was in accordance with both the local development plan and the emerging regional spatial strategy and would provide a "high quality sustainable environment" for residents and workers.

In a statement Stroud District Council said: "This is a complete endorsement of our planning process and proves that our whole approach was right and proper. As the Inspector said, it is clear that the Hunts Grove development would accord with all relevant national, regional and local planning policies and it would provide a high quality, sustainable environment for its residents and workers.

"People in the Five Valleys, the Vale and countless villages can now be assured that their environment will remain protected from large-scale development, much of which would have been in areas at risk of flooding. Equally important, the Hunts Grove development will provide 525 much-needed affordable new homes and essential infrastructure improvements."

However Gloucester City Council leader Mark Hobbs said: "Labour has been campaigning against this development and has gained all-party support on Gloucester City council, and so the decision to go ahead with the Hunts Grove development is very disappointing.

"I am deeply concerned that the additional traffic generated by 3,000-plus new people will only add to the problems of Gloucester motorists, even if the modifications are made to junction 12 of the M5.

"The decision fails to take into account that the new homeowners whilst paying their council tax to Stroud District Council will be looking to Gloucester for facilities and services."

Read the minister’s decision letter (PDF, 114kb)

Roger Milne

12 June 2008