Controversial proposals for a 250-home development in Charfield have been given the green light despite objections from 230 residents. Councillors in South Gloucestershire voted 5-3 to grant permission for the new housing estate, dubbed Charfield Meadows, situated north of Wotton Road.
This project stands as one of two significant sites tagged for development within the village according to the last draft of the Local Plan—a 15-year strategy yet to be officially adopted and set for government inspection in spring 2026. An alternative proposal by different developers aims to construct 525 homes on the opposite side of Charfield, potentially increasing the village population by a third.
Opposition to the Charfield Meadows scheme came from four town and parish councils, the crime prevention officer, Active Travel England, and South Gloucestershire Council's economic development team, which disagreed with revised proposals that scrapped potential employment opportunities. John Acton, local resident and former planning inspector, addressed the strategic sites delivery committee expressing his prediction that villagers would be left "aghast" at plans incorporating additional traffic calming measures.
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These were highlighted as benefits in the planning officer’s report, Mr Acton said: "This is unrealistic. It would be a disaster."
He argued that rather than supporting the application, these issues should count against it, adding, "This is an old, speculative application dating back to 2019."
Concerns were raised about the Charfield Neighbourhood Plan, which was adopted by South Gloucestershire Council in 2021 and did not anticipate significant development. Charfield Parish Council's objections cited inadequate infrastructure to support an influx of new residents.
These concerns include the already over-subscribed local primary school, insufficient GP surgery capacity, and poor bus connectivity. Ward Councillor John O'Neill (Lib Dem, Charfield) told Thursday's meeting: "In its current form, this is not place-making or plan-making, it is still premature."
He added, "It is unfair to sell homes for families when there are insufficient places at primary schools.
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"This would just overwhelm everything.
"I would expect you to impose a planning condition that no homes are occupied until there are additional places at Charfield Primary School."
His sentiments were shared by several committee members. However, a council officer said: "We have scheduled an expansion of the school to be opened by 2029.
"However, there is a possibility of opening a reception class in 2028.
"There will be only a few houses there by 2027.
"Charfield School is full, absolutely, but it's full at the moment with people coming from as far as 2.6 miles away because the birth rate was so low [in Charfield]. Whereas there was a year five years ago when we couldn't accommodate all the pupils in the village, currently we can.
"So I'm comfortable that from 2029 there will be sufficient places for the residents of Charfield and the new developments coming through."
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Mark Wilson, another resident living adjacent to a proposed Greenway that is part of the development, said: "I strongly object to this application due to its serious impact on my privacy, security and residential amenity."
He commented on the active travel route's intrusion, which would allow "unrestricted views into my private rear garden and home".
Charmian Eyre-Walker, the planning officer, said existing hedgerows behind Mr Wilson’s property would remain, protecting his privacy.
Bloor Homes South West’s senior planning manager Jonathan Dodd outlined the company's intent to commit £9.4 million towards local infrastructure. This includes £1.6 million earmarked for the expansion of Charfield Primary School, as well as road upgrades, sustainable transport, community spaces, and over £500,000 allocated for the parish council's priorities.
Dodd emphasised that 35 %t of the homes would be affordable, adding, "This is an important moment for Charfield – to secure sustainable growth, deliver vital infrastructure, and strengthen the community.
"We are not just building houses – we are investing in the future of Charfield in a way that matches the community's needs.
"Charfield is a thriving village, and we are committed to delivering a development that not only provides high-quality homes but also enhances local services, infrastructure, and green spaces."
The developers have also committed to contributing towards enhancements to junction 14 of the M5, in collaboration with the council and National Highways, as well as public transport. This includes funding towards the reopening of Charfield Station in 2027.
Active travel charity Sustrans has endorsed the plans due to the inclusion of the Greenway.
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