Plans for a huge residential project of 4,115 new homes near Cheltenham are facing significant opposition, with over 110 people and seven villages expressing their fears about the potential "disastrous effect" on the local area.
The ambitious Elms Park development, led by Bloor Homes and Persimmon Homes and located close to junction 10 of the M5, is scheduled to be reviewed by Tewkesbury and Cheltenham Borough planners next week.
Encompassing nearly 60 acres allocated for employment opportunities, the project includes a 25-acre business park, hospitality venues, shopping outlets, eateries, licensed establishments and takeaways.
The plans also feature a public transport hub, educational institutions from primary through to secondary level, sports amenities, green spaces, pedestrian avenues, bike paths, and improved road access via Tewkesbury Road and Manor Road.
The huge scheme stretching across swathes of land from Swindon Village to Uckington and between Tewkesbury Road to Brockhampton has been met strong resistance.
Concerns raised by objectors – including seven parish councils – hinge on issues such as the design and visual impact of the housing, road safety, traffic and parking problems, environmental pollution, flooding risk, loss of privacy, and conflicts with existing planning policies.
The parish councils representing Uckington, Swindon, Elmstone Hardwicke, Stoke Orchard and Treddington, Bishop's Cleeve, Leigh, Leckhampton and Warden Hill have all lodged objections against the proposed development.
A total of 111 individuals have voiced their opposition to the project, expressing concerns over its potentially "disastrous effect", while four letters of support have been received.
They cite fears the development could trigger a substantial surge in traffic and local pollution, as well as overburdening health services and other amenities.
"The whole scheme is shortsighted and will have a disastrous effect throughout the locality," one opponent commented.
"I run on those fields regularly and many others and the degree of water retention on those fields particularly is immense.
"There will be a huge increase in traffic and air pollution. Local amenities will be overwhelmed, especially healthcare and hospitals.
"Such huge developments should be carried out as new towns and therefore be self contained.
"Please see sense and stop this now. But you won't."
Another objector expressed concern about the lack of consultation since the original application was lodged nearly a decade ago.
Gloucestershire Constabulary has also raised objections, requesting additional funding to cover premises costs.
Consultants involved in the project argue that Elms Park will emerge as a new sustainable neighbourhood, fostering a vibrant community.
"It will provide all the necessary facilities and opportunities to live a happy and healthy lifestyle, in a new place that encompasses both proven and innovative technologies and flexible mechanisms for ensuring environmental sustainability," they stated in planning documents.
The proposed development site is entirely within an area of land earmarked for development in the joint planning strategy of Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury.
Officials have suggested granting delegated permission subject to certain conditions.
The final decision on whether to accept or reject the scheme will be made by the democratically elected members of Tewkesbury and Cheltenham Boroughs at their respective planning committee meetings on 29 May.
