CONTROVERSIAL plans for a university rowing club boathouse in Purton have been recommended for approval.

The application to convert the Grade-II listed Bridge House on the bank of the canal in the village was submitted at the end of last year and has roundly been criticised by residents.

Prior to submitting its plans, the University of the West of England (UWE) had held a consultation event to discuss the proposal for a facility for its rowers next to the canal.

Two meetings have also been held at St John’s Church, attended by representatives of the university, since the application went in.

Due to the controversy surrounding it, the application has been ‘called-in’ by district councillor Gordon Craig meaning a decision will be made by Stroud District Council’s development control committee rather than council planning officers.

In the report to the committee, officers have recommended that permission be granted for the facility but the decision will be made by the committee on Tuesday.

Dozens of members of the public have submitted objections along with Hinton Parish Council, the district council’s conservation officer and the Canal and River Trust.

Stroud District Council’s development control committee will meet at the council’s Ebley Mill offices at 2.30pm on Tuesday.