Residents oppose plans for 2,550 new homes on city outskirts

Taylor Wimpey wants to develop more than 320 acres of land near Gloucester

Plans to build up to 2,550 homes on the outskirts of Gloucester are being opposed by local residents and parish councils.

Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd wants to develop more than 320 acres (129 hectares) of land at Whaddon, south of the city.

The scheme, which will ultimately be considered by Stroud District Council, includes a primary and secondary school, a community centre, transport hub and open space.

But almost 200 people have objected to the plans, along with the parish councils of Brookthorpe-with-Whaddon, Hunts Grove and Haresfield.

'Would bring chaos'

They say the current roads will not be able to cope with the extra development.

Gloucester City Council planners have also voiced concerns about the proposals, according to the Local Democracy Reporting service (LDRS).

The planning committee was due to consider its response at a meeting on 5 March, with officers recommending it objects to the proposals.

Last year, City MP Richard Graham said the scheme should be opposed with “full force” if it ever came forward.

City Councillors Lorraine Campbell, Paula Dee, Sylvia Evans, Steve Morgan and County Councillor Andrew Miller have all expressed their opposition to the plans.

In a joint statement they said: “We’ve campaigned against the chaos over 2,500 homes at Whaddon would bring since 2009."

Taylor Wimpey said the application is "responding to an existing unmet housing need, as well as the future needs of the wider Stroud and Gloucester area".

Stroud District Council is expected to consider the proposals by 26 March.