Plans for block of flats are refused a third time (From Gazette Series)

Plans for block of flats in Cam are refused a third time

8:30am Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Gloucestershire news By Liza-Jane Gillespie

AN UNPOPULAR planning application has been refused by district planning bosses.

Members of Stroud District Council’s development control committee have refused a third application by Cam businesswoman Vicky Jennings to demolish a neighbouring property in the village and build a block of flats, despite officer recommendation for approval.

Mrs Jennings, who runs Forester’s Bed and Breakfast on Chapel Street, had applied for permission to demolish 1 Station Road, without the owner's support, and build a block of eight flats, designed for older people looking to downsize.

The site would also have included communal gardens and underground parking for 12 cars.

The scheme included works to the footpath, highways improvements and money towards traffic calming on Chapel Street.

Addressing the committee on Tuesday, David Barnes, agent for Mrs Jennings, said the development was in-keeping with the character of Cam and within the settlement boundary.

He said: "It will bring more people into the heart of the community."

Cllr Brian Tipper, district councillor for Cam, spoke at the meeting objecting to the application claiming the Station Road and Chapel Street junction was dangerous and the proposed development would not help.

He said the road was used by parents and children accessing Cam Hopton and Everlands Schools, as well as Rednock, and was also used by motorists accessing the Littlecombe site.

He said: "You may think a traffic calming scheme may work on Chapel Street but it will be useless."

He added: "From the outset this application has caused local residents stress to a level I’ve never seen before."

However, John Longmuir, development control manager at the council, told the committee they could not refuse the application on highways concerns because that had not been their reasoning for refusing the previous applications.

Cllr John Marjoram, a member of the committee, said the application should be refused.

He said: "I seriously looked at that area and I thought anything of that nature would have an adverse effect on the character of that street and I think we have to look after our places."

Cllr Roger Sanders agreed, adding: "The whole thing is too big. It’s too close to the road."

The application was refused by eight votes to two.

Mr Barnes said it was likely Mrs Jennings would appeal against the decision.