The Development Control Committee of Stroud Council met on Tuesday 10 September 2024, deciding to refuse a planning application for 35 dwellings at Bristol Street Ford, London Road, Stroud, and to approve the erection of an agricultural barn at Mill Lane, Cranham. The committee also noted the Q1 2024/25 budget monitoring report.

Bristol Street Ford, London Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire (S.24/0826/FUL)

The committee refused planning permission for the demolition of the existing car dealership and ancillary servicing facility at Bristol Street Ford, London Road, Stroud, and its redevelopment for 35 dwellings. The decision was made based on numerous grounds, including the loss of an employment site without demonstrating wholly exceptional circumstances, a failure to secure affordable housing, and a design that was considered incompatible with the character and appearance of the area. Concerns were also raised about the impact on protected species, the lack of sufficient information regarding contamination risks, and the departure from adopted parking standards. The proposal was also found to conflict with policies protecting heritage assets, specifically the nearby Conservation Area, due to its scale, layout, and density.

Several stakeholders spoke against the application. Councillor Lucas Schoemaker, Ward Member for Trinity ward, urged refusal due to issues with amenity, design, noise pollution, and the lack of affordable housing. Stroud Town Council also requested refusal, citing poor preparation, lack of pre-application consultation, and insufficient amenities. Local resident Mr. Adams highlighted the need for further efforts to identify a suitable employment use and questioned the density and impact on protected species. Ms. Butterfield, speaking for the applicant, requested a deferral to resolve outstanding matters, stating the proposal had been developed with pre-application advice. However, the committee ultimately voted unanimously to refuse the application.

Barn, Mill Lane, Cranham, Gloucestershire (S.24/0535/FUL)

The committee approved the demolition of an existing agricultural portal barn and the erection of a replacement agricultural barn, including an ancillary estate office and welfare facilities, at Mill Lane, Cranham. This application was partially retrospective as the original structure had been demolished and a new, larger barn built.

Cranham Parish Council objected to the proposal, stating it was inappropriate for the AONB¹ and that the windows were unnecessary for an agricultural storage building, impacting the landscape and neighbour privacy. Local residents also raised concerns about overlooking, the overbearing nature of the building, and its impact on the AONB. Mr. Jenkins, the applicant's planning consultant, argued that the building was essential for the 76-acre hill farm's operations, providing necessary storage and welfare facilities for employees. He highlighted that the proposed timber cladding and revised fenestration represented an improvement over the as-built situation and the originally permitted scheme.

The committee approved the application subject to several conditions. These included altering the building to comply with approved plans within six months, specifying the type and maintenance of timber cladding, and ensuring adherence to the construction management plan. A crucial condition restricted the building's use solely to agricultural purposes associated with the Woodside farm enterprise, preventing its use for any other domestic, business, or commercial purpose. The windows were also to be maintained with partial timber cladding for the lifetime of the development to preserve the agricultural appearance.

Budget Monitoring Report Q1 2024/25

The committee noted the Q1 2024/25 forecast outturn position for the revenue budgets under its responsibility. The report indicated a projected net revenue overspend of £165,000. This overspend was primarily attributed to a forecast reduction in planning application fee income, partially offset by an increase in pre-application fee income. An additional factor contributing to the overspend was a forecast of £100,000 for planning appeals, specifically related to the Cloverlea Barn Appeal, of which £50,000 would be funded from the Planning Appeal costs reserve.