43 affordable homes at Knightsbridge Nurseries, Elmstone Hardwicke, Cheltenham

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for up to 43 affordable homes, with access decided now and other matters reserved.

“This application seeks outline planning permission for the erection of up to 43 affordable homes. All matters are reserved except for means of access which is proposed to be taken off the A4019. At present the main access to the site is shared with the dwelling to the south of the site. The proposal will see the separation of the site access from the current shared arrangement and the provision of a separate access to the central part of the site frontage.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The former nursery is outside Coombe Hill, beside the A4019, near homes, a bus stop, footpaths and commercial facilities.

“The application site is located to the north-east of the A4019 and the site is 1.3ha in size. The site comprises the former Knightsbridge Nurseries a former commercial nursery. The site is currently in temporary horticultural use and lies to the east of Knightsbridge. It is adjacent to Coome Hill (a service village in the JCS). The centre of Coombe Hill is to the north and is accessible along an existing footway.”

“Immediately to the south-east and north-west of the site are residential properties, including a residential property (Willowdene) that shares the site’s existing access on to the A4019. Approximately 280m to the north of the site is Knightsbridge Business Centre comprising several industrial / commercial units, which include a gym, commercial and retail businesses.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications concerned glasshouses and proposed commercial floorspace, with the commercial scheme withdrawn in 2023.

“Application Number Proposal Decision Decision Date 20/00342/OUT Outline application to demolish existing buildings and structures and the erection of up to 3975m2 of B1/B2 floorspace. (All matters reserved except for access). Withdrawn 19.03.2023 86/00623/FUL Erection of glasshouse Approved 19.03.1986 79/00499/FUL Erection of glasshouse Approved 19.06.1979”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planning Officer, Legal Adviser, highways representatives and development management officers answered members’ questions; no public speakers addressed the committee.

Members' debate

Members questioned traffic modelling, Junction 10, pedestrian safety, local facilities, school access, sewage, sustainability and reduced contributions.

“The Legal Adviser advised that no prejudice could be attached to the submission of an outline application, provided Officers had sufficient details to determine it, and she indicated that there was an ability to determine details at the reserved matters stage. A Member asked whether the traffic analysis for this application had taken into account the impact of the planned upgrade of M5 Junction 10 in terms of increased traffic numbers and potential safety issues.”

“The Development Management Team Manager (South) clarified that the scheme had been assessed for the safety of the access which would remain appropriate for the speed of the highway whether or not there was any potential increase in traffic movements as a result of the works to Junction 10. The Member asked whether there should be a change to the road layout so that vehicles could stop to turn into/out of the site from the middle of the road.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to defer the application for three months was proposed and seconded, then approved by the committee.

“It was proposed and seconded that the application be deferred for three months in order to obtain additional information regarding traffic modelling and the assessment of highway safety in the context of M5 Junction 10 and the social aspect in terms of community facilities for young people and families given the isolated nature of the site.”

Minutes