THERE has been early opposition against an ‘unwanted, unsuitable and inappropriate’ planning application for a large modern home near Wotton.

The application from a Mr L Ballinger has already received 17 objections, surpassing his last submission for plans on the same site which received 11 letters of opposition and a signed petition.

Designed by Elevation One Ltd, the one-storey four-bedroom property off Coombe Lane in Wortley would have a grass roof and be largely obscured from the road.

However, residents state that the build’s modern design is not in keeping with the surrounding area and would be visible from across the valley.

Among these is Dale Curtis, he said: “The proposed building is nothing like any of the other houses in the area and just putting on a grass roof does nothing to reduce its appearance to walkers and residents on the other side of the valley.

“In summary, this is another unwanted, unsuitable and inappropriate application for development that does nothing for the area in terms of affordable housing for locals.

“Yet again I object most strongly.”

Mr Ballinger submitted a scheme for two homes in 2013 which was refused by Stroud District Council, this development, which was published on June 13, is a re-submission with alterations and a downsize to one property.

Writing in his decision notice SDC case officer John Chaplin said: “The proposed development represents a visual intrusion of the urban form of the settlement into countryside that is sensitive to change.

“The prominent position and siting of the development is unsympathetic to the landscape and would create a localised but significant adverse effect on the rural character and setting of this part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

Wotton Town Council has already lodged its objection to the new proposals, due to its location outside the designated settlement boundary and within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Some objection letters mention fears that this development, if approved, could set a precedent for further building.

Elevation One states in its design analysis: “The design ensures that the building blends into the landscape rather than stand proud of it.

“The contemporary nature incorporating grass roof, stone elevations and large expanses of glazing are subtle and appropriate design language that compliments the setting and more historic surrounding dwellings.

“The building would not have a dominant appearance due to the single storey nature of the design and the topography of the site.

“The mature border treatments provide an effective screen protecting the surrounding outward facing views towards the open countryside and ensuring there will be no impact on public vantage points.”

To view the plans in full visit the Stroud District Council planning website and search for application S.17/1346/FUL.