CONTENTIOUS plans for a 21-house development in Hillesley have been refused.

Submitted at the end of August by Piper Homes, the proposal, which included provision for 11 affordable units and a 10-space car park, had split opinion in the village.

Concerns centred mainly on the scale of the development in the context of the size of Hillesley and that existing traffic issues would be exacerbated by the site.

However supporters of the proposal felt that there was a need for new housing, particularly affordable units.

Official refusal of the planning application, based on the scale of the proposal, the proportion of affordable houses being too small and the desire to not permit major development of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was published by Stroud District Council on Monday.

One of 39 people objecting to the proposal, Hillesley resident Verity Prosser said it was not suitable.

“I see no logical reason for building on the proposed land,” she said. “The site does not integrate into the village, it is being added on to the edge of the natural village boundary. 

“The site is an AONB, something which should be preserved.

“At the original meeting the design of the houses was to be in Cotswold Stone which would be sympathetic with the current landscape, but I can see that a cheaper, ugly alternative will be used if they go ahead. 

“The access road is very narrow with an already difficult parking situation and lack of pavements. Hawkesbury Road can’t cope with the current traffic volume.”

More than two dozen people submitted formal comments in support of the application, including the governing body at Hillesley Primary School.

A spokesman for the school’s governors said that they would welcome additional families and children into the village. 

Lloyd Nicholls, one of the supporters of the proposal, said that there was a division in opinion between younger and older generations.

He said: “I am in full support of the development as I believe a village needs to grow and evolve.

“There is clearly a need for young families to keep the school alive.

“There seems to be a division in my opinion. The younger generation are in support for the village to grow and the older generation don’t seem to want any change.”

Piper Homes will be able to appeal Stroud District Council’s decision within the next six months.