Housing estate could be torn down for 82 new homes

Cotswold District Council officers recommended the proposals for approval

A housing estate in the Cotswolds could be torn down to make way for 82 new homes.

Developer Bromford Housing wants to build the new estate in South Cerney by demolishing 56 existing homes, and refurbishing two.

Some local residents said the Berkeley Close scheme would lead to a loss of open green space and the removal of a drop off-area for a nearby school.

But Cotswold District Council (CDC) officers recommended the proposals for approval and said the scheme was in line with national and local policies.

The plans also include demolishing 21 lock-up garages, and building a new road, driveways and open spaces, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

South Cerney Parish Council said it welcomed changes to the plans which included a bigger informal play area but felt it was “only just about adequate”.

The scheme includes plans for four one-bed flats, seven one-bed bungalows, eight one-bed homes, four two-bed bungalows, 29 two-bed houses, 28 3-bed houses and two four-bed properties.

A CDC report said: “The provision of upgraded affordable housing that is more fit-for-purpose is beneficial to the council’s housing strategy."

“The proposed development would not result in harm to the character and appearance of the area, to biodiversity neither would it have a detrimental effect upon highway safety,” it added.

The council's planning committee is due to make a decision on the proposals on Wednesday.