Farm plan runs into flak (From Gazette Series)

Farm plan runs into flak

OBJECTORS against an application to build a new farm complex in Tyley Bottom, Wotton-under-Edge, are trying to stop the development as they claim it would permanently scar the remote valley.

The application for a farmhouse and agricultural building, measuring 40.5m by 30m, has met with stiff opposition from Wotton Town Council.

At last months planning committee, members unanimously resolved to object to the application.

In giving reasons for the objection, councillors stated the farm would be detrimental to the visible amenity of the area.

"The site is in a very prominent and visible position in the last unspoilt, particularly remote and beautiful valley with no modern intrusion at present," they said.

Councillors said the area is well used by walkers and intensive agricultural operation on the site could have negative effects on the sensitive environment, which it claims is particularly rich in flora.

Concerns were also raised about the size of the buildings, the disposal of effluent and artificial lighting.

The objection continues: "The council does not find the arguments advanced in relation to current traffic movements and problems convincing and considers that the present farmhouse should continue to be used."

Stroud District Council planners have received an objection from Wotton Civic Society.

A spokesman said the society believes valleys like Tyley Bottom should be held onto and cherished.

"We believe this site, in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is within a beautiful, unspoilt valley, he added. "Valleys like this, still uncluttered with buildings, are fast disappearing. It is like a completely different world up there and we what to keep it that way."

The applicant is also the owner of existing Frogend Farm in Coombe.

The spokesman added the society believes the applicant has room to expand the existing complex.

"We think this would be favourable to more development of the countryside," he added. "The new site would have poor access and bring more external traffic into the valley."

Objector Gill Cathles, who was brought up in Coombe, said if given the go-ahead this development would destroy the unspoilt nature of the valley.

"This is a beautiful area, totally undeveloped and really does not need a development of this size in such a prominent position," she said. "I am not convinced of the necessity of a house of this size and am particularly concerned about light pollution."

Mr Cathles added this is not the first time residents have had to fight to protect the valleys surrounding Wotton.

"I feel these valleys are so precious," she added. "I was involved in a campaign to save the Bagpath valley from the development of a large country house. But I feel as if we are constantly having to watch out for these types if developments."

Senior district planning officer Mark Newcombe said at the time of going to press there had only been two objections to the plans.

"We do expect others are on their way as we have had enquiries," he added.

Mr Newcombe said a significant amount of additional consultation is taking place and the application will not be dealt with until this is complete.

"The advertised closing date for people to make representations was last Friday," he said. "But they can still do so if they check with the planning department first."

Tetbury-based Humberts Chartered Surveyors is acting on behalf of applicant Tom Redman. A company spokesman declined to comment on the application stating he did not feel it would be appropriate ahead of any planning decision.