Staunton homes and pub refurbishment set to be refused

The former Swan pub is now home to the Staunton and Corse Community Hub

Plans for "an unnecessary expansion" of a village in the Forest of Dean look likely to be turned down.

The proposals for 17 homes and the refurbishment of a former pub in Staunton, near Gloucester, are due before district councillors on 9 April.

The Chamberlayne 2021 Discretionary Trust has applied for permission for ten self-build houses and seven affordable homes on Ledbury Road.

However, the scheme has been recommended for refusal by officers.

The plans include car parking, landscaping, a play area and improvements to the former inn, The Swan, which is now home to the Staunton and Corse Community Hub.

The hub, which is run by volunteers, said the improvements would help secure its long-term future as a licensed pub and café.

Staunton Parish Council has objected to the proposals, along with 21 people who have contacted the council to oppose the plan, while one person has written in favour, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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Corse Parish Council has raised concerns about the impact the new homes could have on flooding and local services, calling the designs inappropriate.

Forest of Dean District Council planning officers have recommended rejecting the scheme as they said it would have an adverse impact on the character of the area.

They also said the plan failed to demonstrate it would not harm protected species and habitats.