Plans for 315 new homes to be debated

Eutopia Homes want to build the site at Great Western Road

Plans to build 315 new homes on a former railway depot could get the go ahead next week.

Eutopia Homes wants to develop 7.9 acres of land made up of the former railway sidings and depot and commercial business premises in Great Western Road, Gloucester.

The site, previously owned by Network Rail, is near Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and the south eastern part is next to the operating railway.

Two residents have raised concern about the plans, saying it will increase traffic congestion.

The site fronts onto Horton Road on its east side, beyond which is an electrical supplies business.

The old plans were approved in February but have since been updated, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. 

Eutopia Homes wants to build 288 flats and 87 houses as well as new vehicle access.

Gloucester City councillors are due to debate the updated plans in a meeting on 5 December.

'Helping demand issues'

Opposing the application the residents said: "Many members of the day-centre reablement and respite service community at Headway House travel by road, either using mobility scooters, wheel-chair adapted vehicles, taxis or private cars.

"[It is] vital that attenders continue to have unimpeded access to Headway House via their small private car park."

The Civic Trust have also raised concerns and said the terraced housing in the development "left something to be desired".

A spokesperson for the trust said: “The glazing on some designs is reasonable but others show no consistency of size and shape and therefore are ugly.

"Overall the trust considers it could be better without much effort.”

But director at Eutopia Homes, Lorna Henderson, said that the scheme will help the supply-demand housing imbalance in Gloucester.

"We are investing in Gloucester for the long term through the provision of new housing, as well as direct and indirect support for the local economy, including through the creation of construction jobs," she said.

Gloucester City Council officers have recommended granting permission but the final decision will be made by councillors next week.