New homes 'may harm town's precious character'

The planning application is for land off Kingshill Lane in Preston, Cirencester

Local residents have objected to plans for 280 new homes on the outskirts of a town.

Robert Hitchins Ltd is looking for permission to develop more than 33 acres of agricultural fields on the edge of Cirencester in Gloucestershire.

The proposal land off Kingshill Lane, Preston, is due before Cotswold District Council's planning committee on 11 June.

Local councils and 38 residents have objected to the proposals.

Residents say they are concerned about the new homes causing congestion at a nearby roundabout, and the pace at which the town is being developed.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Preston Parish Council, Cirencester Town Council and Siddington Parish Council have also objected to the proposals.

One resident said "The area's roads will not be suitable for the extra traffic following such a development as they already struggle and the nearby Steadings development has not yet completed,"

Another said: "Continuous development around the town will just add to the overall traffic congestion and frustration we already experience."

Danger of 'overdevelopment'

People also raised concerns over the impact the development will have on already struggling medical facilities, schools and community hubs.

Another said that there is a danger Cirencester and its suburbs will be "overdeveloped" and some of the "precious character" of the town will be permanently lost.

Frequent flooding at the bottom of the hill on the main Swindon road was also mentioned in the objections.

The developers said the overall vision for the proposal is to "create a distinctive development with a strong identity" that fits with the local character, and provides much-needed housing for the town.

Council officers have recommended approving the scheme, saying the benefits would outweigh any adverse impacts.