PLANS to build 32 homes on the outskirts of Thornbury have been met with concerns from town councillors and council officers. 

An outline planning application has been submitted by developer Newland Homes to South Gloucestershire Council to transform farmland into a number of bungalows and houses at Post Farm. 

The site which is currently being used for cattle grazing is located along Morton Street near the Morton Meadows and Pippen Drive developments in Butt Lane.

According to the plans, 11 of the homes will be affordable, and all will be net zero carbon homes.

Plans also include creating a play and an open space area with an orchard as well as supporting road access and pedestrian pathways.  

A previous application for 39 homes on the same site for a different developer, Linden Homes, was refused by SGC in July 2019.

However, these new plans have been met with concerns and amendments from Thornbury Town Council, Avon Fire & Rescue Service and different SGC council officers. 

A spokesperson for Thornbury Town Council voiced several concerns about the application, as well as highlighted the town's lack of facilities, such as a lack of places at schools, doctors, and dentists, as well as pressure on roads and sewage works.

They also stated the proposed development would result in losing high grade farmland land which could be used for food production.

Their statement reads: “The application is outside the local development boundary and the council knows of no reason that would carry enough weight to override this policy given the current situation in the town.

“There is an adverse effect on the nearby listed buildings which was the reason for a previous application being refused and the objections on these grounds remain.

“There is a demonstrable lack of facilities in the town following previous extensive house building nearby.

“The site is therefore unsustainable in terms of services, travel and amenity.” 

In addition, a spokesperson from Avon Fire & Rescue Service also said consideration during the planning phase should be given to the emerging risk of vegetation fires. 

Meanwhile, an SGC archaeology officer described the site as "one of the most important archaeological sites in the region," stating that excavations must be completed before any construction can begin.

A council officer said the developer, if plans are approved, should contribute to a public art plan. 

Meanwhile, another officer stated the developer should contribute approximately £199,993 to the construction of a new primary school or to the expansion of an existing school.

You can view the application quoting P23/02091/O or see here - tinyurl.com/446mkray

Full statement from Newland Homes

A spokesperson from Newland Homes said: “As a climate considerate local developer based in Gloucestershire, we are leading the way with our commitment to delivering zero carbon homes.  

“We have recently submitted a planning application for a small-scale development of new homes on the outskirts of Thornbury, which would enable us to deliver up to 32 zero carbon homes powered by renewable energy.  

“Using air source heat pumps, solar panels and increased levels of insulation, our pioneering zero carbon homes significantly exceed the current building regulations for both energy efficiency and environmental impact, helping to reduce a householder’s reliance on fossil fuels.  

“We are proposing to build a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached homes on the site, including a high proportion of bungalows. 

“We have carefully considered the design of each of the homes, to ensure the mix of stone and render proposed is sympathetic to the local area and properties are appropriately located for solar gain.  

“At Newland Homes, we treat each of our developments individually and pride ourselves on creating developments which suit and enhance the local setting.

“We are keen to work with local groups, such as Sustainable Thornbury, to help enhance the ‘Biodiversity Ring’ around the town; joining up the places where wildlife can prosper and improving access to nature.  

“As part of our proposals, we intend to improve the biodiversity net gain of the site by 20%, double what the Council requires us to achieve.  

“We will retain the existing mature trees and hedging and circa 2.5 acres of the site will be set aside for public open space, including a new children’s play area.  

“35 per cent of the new homes proposed will be ‘affordable housing’.  

“Affordable housing is a term used to describe homes for sale or rent to people whose needs are not met by the private housing market.  

“One, two and three bedroom affordable homes will be created at Post Farm in conjunction with a registered housing provider.

“We understand the land has been the subject of a previous planning application by another developer.  

“Our application is for fewer properties, more open space, increased ecological enhancements and the creation of innovative, zero carbon homes.  

“We look forward to working with the council and local community to create a development which Thornbury can be proud of."