Views Rob Colley www.cpreglos.org.uk President The Rt Hon Lord Vestey SPRING 2013 The National Planning In this issue ... Policy Framework ASH DIEBACK 4What impact on One Year On our landscape? he headlines Charlie Watson, THE FUTURE OF last year said a Branch Chairman OUR FORESTS victory had been 6 won by the CPRE Now for some and others after our or Borough Council updated good news! Tvigorous lobbying to change or adopted a new local plan the Government’s proposals to that conforms to the policies MORE cpre reform the planning system. set out in the final version of 8awards Indeed, really important the National Planning Policy gird your loins for a rash to inspiring changes were secured that Framework (NPPF)? Can it of speculative planning undoubtedly will help to avoid prove that a 5-year supply of applications. These will Gloucestershire some of the most disastrous readily available housing sites now be judged primarily projects likely effects upon the exists to meet its local housing against the policies set out countryside. needs? in the NPPF rather than  N ews from But the more careful reader In Gloucestershire, only your own District Local Plan. 10 around the always understood that ‘bear District has Some protection for parts districts traps’ lay ahead. The greatest a new local plan in place. of our precious countryside trap is now about to be sprung: For those in the other four like the Cotswolds Area of Updates from the end of the transition planning authorities who have Outstanding Natural Beauty around the County period. not, what might happen next? will have a priority to avoid One year on, has your District Simply, you will need to the worst examples of speculative development. But elsewhere the first signs are that Local Authorities and the Planning Inspectors will be forced to consider housing and economic growth to be virtually paramount in determining whether to approve a planning application. The danger, therefore, is that development will take place in an unplanned and uncoordinated way and in the wrong location – contrary to everything that CPRE argues for. That is the situation we now face, particularly in the Severn Vale of Gloucestershire. We are aware that developers are currently preparing applications that cover large tracts of our Green Belt Rob Colley The Green Belt from Churchdown Hill between and t

COVER STORY A sad farewell

t and also open countryside in the area. from David Brooke, outgoing County Director Greenfield sites are therefore likely to be built upon before “Good luck” signalled the town planner and I served my retirement have brought the brownfield sites in our destroyer as its sister ship time in the Gloucestershire me to this sad ‘cheerio’. towns. Without a proper scurried past in mounting Branch as a judge for the Although I will miss the best Local Plan and in haste, seas. “Thanks,” came the reply. lamented Bledisloe Cup. So the view in Europe from an office they are likely to lack proper “But actually, we rely on skill.” job, when John Adye offered window, which I bequeath to supporting infrastructure and Looking back at my three it to me, was not ‘new’ in my successor, and all that services. Where they lead to years as County Director, I itself. But as I warmed to the goes with it, I know that my greater dispersal and more think we need both. The luck work, the people I met, their close involvement with CPRE travel, how can they possibly that has brought together such enthusiasm, their kindness to will continue, albeit in a provide the ‘sustainable tremendous people, united in a ‘new boy’ and the nature of voluntary capacity. development’ that the a common cause; and the skill the post itself brought a quick So let’s risk it and sign off Government claims to want for that is demonstrated every realisation that this was the with - - . ------. . future generations? day in the way we work. job for me. . - . . . . - - . - . - . - (*) So what can and should we These have been the fastest But now, alas, no longer. to all of us. do? First, you can be assured of years, and some of the most Family commitments and a (* For those unfamiliar with that your County Branch rewarding. I have known CPRE growing list of things I had Morse Code, this reads ‘Good Luck’!) will continue to encourage Rob Colley The Green Belt towards all my professional life as a promised myself to do in my our District Councils to Churchdown Hill complete or update their in finding reasons for refusal we will be arguing that new Local Plans as quickly as when applications clearly fail development should meet to a genuinely more balanced possible. Second, we will be to fit with the NPPF’s more real local needs, especially for planning system. With a mind ...and welcome to Now is the time prepared forcefully to argue detailed policies – and at the affordable new homes. And to the rapidly approaching the case that isolated sites same time encourage them to that it should seek to improve national General Election, we our new Director and those without appropriate join CPRE! our local environment through will be helping to prepare a to get out and supporting infrastructure and What we won’t be doing, high standards of design, not ‘manifesto’ to present to each The process of selecting David Brooke’s successor services don’t meet the test however, is seeking to resist detract from it. political party that seeks both as County Director has just been completed. We are recruit! Nick Holliday of ‘sustainable development’ every application, large Finally, we will be supporting to protect and to secure a delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Imogen and should be refused. Third, or small, as we know that CPRE’s National Office as it viable future for our precious Fawcett who is due to take over in April. We look f ever you needed traces the origins of, and the we will support local groups change is inevitable. Rather, continues to lobby for a return and irreplaceable countryside. forward to welcoming Imogen about whom more will convincing of the need need for, CPRE, but also allows appear in the next newsletter. Ifor CPRE to stand up for each district to tailor the the countryside, then look presentation to potential new javelin park Nick Dummett no further than the television audiences and members such   guide in the papers. What I as parish councils and other ust before Christmas, raises more than local issues; capacity. Rather than build view of the arguments for hear you say? Things must voluntary groups. In addition Council we are convinced it does, more unnecessary capacity, and against the project. If the 2013 agm 10th be pretty bad out there when the Branch is also drawing up Jwrote to Eric Pickles, the mainly because it will be Gloucestershire should look Secretary of State chooses to BBC 2 has been seeking to a media plan to help deliver Secretary of State, asking damaging to the nationally- seriously at cooperating call in the application, then he a date entertain us with an 8-part the big campaigns across the him to ‘call in’ the Javelin important Cotswolds AONB with other counties and thus will appoint an independent july series ‘The Planners’, in which county. Park planning application. We and would be a totally minimise the overall cost to planning inspector to conduct for your Stroud and Cheltenham have But much of the effort is followed this up in January inefficient use of tax-payers’ the taxpayer of disposing of an inquiry – this is a fair 2013 featured quite prominently! down to the districts who by writing ourselves. We are money. waste. and transparent way for all But whether the pressure on provide the real heartbeat of awaiting his answer but do not Gloucestershire is producing The County Council has a parties to put their case. diary our countryside comes from CPRE here in Gloucestershire. expect one until the County less waste, and this will strong financial interest in the We would have confidence the recession or from changes So, £5000 has been set aside Council makes up its mind continue until we have project and has taken a firm in this process whatever his year our Branch AGM is to be held at brought about by the National this year for districts to call when the application will go significant economic growth. stance rejecting any of the the final result. We have Cheltenham Ladies’ College and will take Planning Policy Framework upon to implement a local before its planning committee. At the same time, facilities rational arguments against called on Gloucestershire Tplace on the evening of Wednesday, 10th July or from the lack of agreed district recruitment and It will only be called in if it have been approved or built the project. It is therefore County Councillors and MPs – please write the date in your diaries now. housing numbers at the local retention plan – whether in neighbouring counties and difficult for the public to representing the county to Last year you’ll remember we met at Lord Vestey’s level, one thing is certain: that be more social events, there is a strong likelihood have confidence that any support the request for the Stowell Park and Dame Fiona Reynolds kindly local people are finding their targeted presentations, that there will be a surplus of decision by the councillors Secretary of State to take acted as our guest speaker. voice. And that gives us an support to local campaigns on the planning committee over the determination of the We expect this year’s event to follow similiar lines opportunity to recruit. Here or perhaps advertisements will be based on a balanced planning application. with members and guests invited to join us for in Gloucestershire, CPRE has and recruitment editorials drinks from 6.15pm. The AGM itself will take place embarked upon a three year in local newspapers. So, now in the splendidly Victorian Princess Hall at 7.00pm strategy both to recruit and to we have all the recruitment How the Javelin Park Incinerator compares in size retain members at this critical tools we need for any event or with some other local buildings and conclude with a light buffet supper in the nearby Garden Common Room. time, when, all around us, meeting we go to, including Although the Ladies’ College is near the centre of voluntary bodies like ours are use of the new web site. And Cheltenham, parking will not be a problem: some losing members. the Branch Office can supply private parking is available and adjacent public The Branch is well on the a simple form to help collect parking restrictions do not apply in the evenings way to producing a new names and address so CPRE

GlosVAIN: www.glosvain.info GlosVAIN: Full details will be sent out to members around Gloucestershire-specific National Office can follow up the end of May along with the Branch Annual membership leaflet. And it and recruit folk. Report. has put together a PowerPoint presentation that not only Happy recruiting!

2 CPRE Gloucestershire views Spring 2013 Spring 2013 CPRE Gloucestershire views 3 If the worst fears

ash dieback “ about this disease are realised it could Richard Lloyd be very bad news“ for Gloucestershire’s hen Colin Evers and I relentlessly from eastern Europe where landscape wrote the piece in the last it was first identified in 1992. Scientific WNewsletter – ‘A Bright Future advice is that it will not be possible to n Developing resistance. Our best hope for Gloucestershire’s woodlands?’ – no- eradicate Chalara, although a small of securing the future of the British ash one had seen Ash Dieback coming over proportion of ash trees may prove tree lies with understanding the genetic the horizon. If the worst fears about this naturally resistant to the disease. variability in ash and identifying disease are realised it could be very bad resistance to Chalara. A number of news for Gloucestershire’s landscape. What would be the countries affected by Chalara have implications for reported ash trees displaying partial What is Ash Dieback? Gloucestershire? resistance to the disease. Although the

Ash Dieback is the progressive dying back The Forestry Commission estimates Thomas Kirisits proportion of such trees is low (1% show of mature ash trees and the more rapid that ash trees comprise 9.6% of total less than 10% infection rates), they death of saplings as a result of infection woodland in and there are offer potential that long-term natural by Chalara fraxinea, an aggressive fungal 665 Sites of Special Scientific Interest Stem canker caused selection may produce offspring with pathogen. The disease was discovered for in England where ash forms a major by Chalara fraxinea increased resistance to dieback and the first time in Great Britain in a nursery component. However, the highest that crossbreeding may accelerate in Buckinghamshire in February 2012, in percentage of ash in broadleaved along the road and rail networks. This the production of more resistant plants imported from Holland (half our woodland is in a belt through the is confirmed by information from the ash species. Research is to focus on ash saplings were imported!). In October midlands from Gloucestershire to Countryside Survey. In Gloucestershire identifying and breeding for resistance. it was found in the wider environment, Lincolnshire. The Commission also ash appears to be the most frequent tree in woodland in Norfolk, probably arriving estimates that there are 12 million ash in hedgerows over much of the county. n Encouraging citizen, landowner and as wind borne spores from continental trees outside woods and forests, with Its presence has become all the more industry engagement in surveillance, Europe. The disease has been spreading ash one of the most common trees important following loss of mature elm monitoring and action in tackling the in hedgerows, parks and gardens and in the 1960s and 1970s from Dutch Elm problem. A tree health early-warning Withering of young leaves caused by Disease. system is being developed for use by Chalara fraxinea If this were not serious enough, Chalara volunteer groups, and a charter mark is is not the only pathogen we need to worry being developed for plants of UK origin about. For example, our larches are at risk (not just ash). from Phytopthora ramorum, with over 40,000 trees already felled in the Forest n Building resilience in woodland and of Dean, and Corsican pine is being lost to associated industries. Thinking needs Red Band Needle Blight, a fungal infection. to start now as to how we manage our Then there is Acute Oak Decline, a bacterial trees and woodlands in the longer term. infection affecting oak, and Chestnut Ash is not hugely important as a timber Blight, a highly damaging fungal disease tree but it is for its contribution to the now affecting sweet chestnut. landscape and wildlife. Silvicultural guidance on adapting to Chalara is to A Strategy for Action be developed, and a programme of work On 6 December 2012 the Government put in hand with the horticultural and Woodland cover and percentage of ash by region published an Interim Chalara Control Plan. nursery sectors to improve resilience to This has four objectives: Chalara and also to other plant health threats. Number and species of hedgerow trees - information from the Countryside Survey n Reducing the rate of spread. A ban on the import of ash saplings will remain in Looking long term, I believe that we place, as will a ban on movement of ash need to consider promoting use of a wider trees for the time being; infected trees range of species for more extensive use in in nurseries must be destroyed but ash woodland regeneration, in new woodlands trees in recently-planted infected sites and in hedgerows and the wider will only need to be destroyed where countryside to ensure a more resilient they threaten spreading the disease. landscape. Depending on location, species There is no requirement at present to such as lime, Norway maple, wild cherry, fell infected mature trees which may field maple, white poplar and alder all take some years to die and are valuable deserve a bigger place in the English for wildlife. There may be locations, landscape. however, where the felling of mature The disease has acted as something of a trees could slow the spread of Chalara, wake-up call in Government as the plant for example isolated trees a long way health policy team has been transferred from other areas of infection, and to Defra, together with the UK Chief Plant consideration is to be given to whether a Health Officer. geographically differentiated approach An updated Chalara Control Plan is to mature trees would be beneficial. expected later in the spring. Forestry Commission

4 CPRE Gloucestershire views Spring 2013 Spring 2013 CPRE Gloucestershire views 5 

BUT SOME GOOD NEWS FOR Campaign to reduce ENGLAND’S FORESTS Colin Evers roadside clutter

The Government has Richard Lloyd t the end of January, to benefit the environment, It is early days, but the long-awaited people and the economy. The the response confirms “accepted virtually all “ his was a topic of concern in our County Council has undertaken a AMinisterial response natural capital and well-being that the Public Forest of the Independent Spring and Autumn Newsletters in signage audit and sign rationalisation to the Independent Panel value of our native and ancient Estate is not for T2008 with CPRE campaigning to get programme on the A429 (Fosse Way) on Forestry was published. woodland is recognised, as is sale, albeit it does Forestry Panel’s local authorities to sign up to a Clutter through the Cotswolds AONB. So ended the story which the importance of restoring recognise a need for recommendations Challenge. In particular we asked them to In launching the advisory leaflet, began at the end of 2010 with open habitats, restoring change. To that end, undertake a ‘Clutter Audit’ to ensure that Transport Secretary Patrick Government plans to sell off plantations on ancient a new Public Forest signs and street furniture were still fulfilling McLoughlin urged local authorities to much of the Public Forest woodland sites, and expanding management body is but, due to increasing under- their purpose and to remove those that were “continue the cull”. I have written to Estate. Those plans produced England’s woodland cover; the to be established to hold the management or neglect, a lot not. the County Council, urging the them a public outcry, a spectacular target is to increase woodland Estate in trust for the nation. of it is currently much less Helpfully, the Government has now to rise to the Transport Secretary’s Government U-turn and the from 10% now to 12% by Legislation will be brought productive than the Public undertaken a major review of its traffic signs challenge and asking for information setting up of the Independent 2060. Policies are set out before Parliament to develop Forest Estate, and many policy; minimising the impact of traffic signs about what action is planned. Panel. It is good to be able to to achieve these objectives, Forest Enterprise England areas are less accessible. on the environment is a key priority. The If members are aware of areas report that the Government including increased attention into an entrepreneurial body The intention is to facilitate outcome is called Signing the Way and an where signing is clearly excessive has accepted virtually all of to monitoring and tackling that will be operationally a reversal of this trend by early product is an advisory leaflet from the or there are redundant signs please the Panel’s recommendations the growing threats from tree independent of Government. increasing the amount of Department for Transport called Reducing send details, including a digital or practicable alternatives. diseases and retaining forest It will, however, still be woodland management driven Sign Clutter. This provides guidance to local photograph, to the Branch office For the Forest of Dean, research capacity. answerable to Parliament by economic activity through authorities on how to remove unnecessary (address on last page) and we there is full recognition Through planning policy in because it will be the manager the sustainable harvesting of traffic signs as cost-effectively as possible. will forward them to the County of the unique historical, the National Planning Policy of public owned assets. wood products. A number of local authorities have made Council. environmental and cultural Framework, the Minister Current policy, to sell off 15% As the response states, this good progress in removing unnecessary characteristics of its living, expects that planning of the Public Forest Estate, is the first step in a longer signs, improving the environment and saving Road signs - how not to do it working landscapes; the area permission should normally has been rescinded, with process of working with others money in the process. Gloucestershire will remain an important part be refused for development additional Treasury funding to create a healthier, more of the Public Forest Estate. resulting in the loss or made available to the Forestry resilient and sustainable Top priority is to be given to deterioration of irreplaceable Commission to replace income forestry and woodland sector,  protecting our trees, woods habitats, including ancient from sales and to do more to delivering long term social, and forests, especially our woodland, and the loss of aged tackle tree diseases. By far environmental and economic TRANSPORT ISSUES Alastair Goldie ancient woodlands, and to or veteran trees found outside the majority of woodland in benefits for all. Hopefully, it improving our woodland assets ancient woodland. England is privately owned will succeed. Air Balloon Traffic Gloucester Elmbridge Court Park and Ride Scheme Restriction ationally, CPRE are lukewarm true of the Arle Court scheme as the 94 Abandoned Nabout Park & Ride schemes. service goes from strength to strength. Personally, however, I find the My greatest worry about the Elmbridge he Highways Agency has now Cheltenham Arle Court P&R to be scheme is that it may detract from Tabandoned its trial scheme to excellent and have had reports that the the 94 service, although the dedicated prevent northbound traffic turning Waterwells P&R in Gloucester is a great bus link to Gloucester City currently right from the A417 onto the A436 or success. On this basis, the proposed P&R proposed should prevent this. B4070 at the Air Balloon roundabout. scheme at Elmbridge Court should also There should be little if any impact on The scheme, intended to reduce be beneficial, assuming the projected the Green Belt, in which the site lies. The queuing and improve air quality, demand materialises. access will require traffic lights on the would have meant that those One reason put forward for not having Golden Valley by-pass which must delay heading towards Severn Spring or a P&R is that it would detract from the traffic (but perhaps thereby encourage Leckhampton would have had to local bus service, but this is certainly not use of P&R). go down Crickley Hill to the A46 Shurdington junction and return back up again, an extra 4.4 miles or 6 minutes. Of course traffic heading for Cheltenham would then have used Communications with the A46, adding at least an extra 2.9 miles or 5 minutes and increasing the Members volume of traffic on Shurdington Road. he new Goucestershire Branch Website at www.cpreglos.org.uk is now There has been widespread Tlive. If you haven’t already used it why not give it a try. opposition to the scheme, mainly However, we are still trying to build up our list of members’ email for fear that it would lead to rat runs addresses with a view to providing more information by email. This will along neighbouring country lanes, both provide you with a more responsive service and potentially save especially through Elkstone. Its significantly on postage. Everyone is encouraged to send a brief email to cancellation follows withdrawal of [email protected] for this purpose.. County Council support. Friends of the Forest

6 CPRE Gloucestershire views Spring 2013 Spring 2013 CPRE Gloucestershire views 7 

O T E C T R R U P R O A w T L Repair of Mickla Bridge

N E Forest of Dean District N G I G CPRE Mickla Bridge is a Grade II Listed double clapper A L bridge. After heavy rains in 2009, it was declared at

P

A

M

N risk of collapse and not safe to use as a public right

A D E C T R

of way. As a result of action by the CountrysideO T U C R R A CPRE Gloucestershire Archaeological Adviser the bridge hasP been carefully L

and sensitively restored. It is a delightfulO structure of E AWARDS T N G E considerable historic interest which could so easily G L N R O I L have been lost. . G U A C S H I

E R N S T E A

AWARDS P D

n Citation: For identifying and carrying out an

M exemplary piece of repair workA on an historic site

ast year, Awards were at risk of collapse, to full conservationC CPRE standards, made to five projects and achieving the retention of a small but locally E and a commendation AWARDS R significant countryside feature G I L L H to a sixth. The projects are O S U R described below, together C E S T E with their citations. The Awards ceremony took place  on 17th October 2012 in the The Wallbridge Project w R O T E C T splendid surroundings of P R O U T R the orangery at Highnam Stroud District A Court, courtesy of the owner, The Wallbridge Project is a partnership betweenN Gloucestershire L G Roger Head. Plaques and County Council as Highway Authority, Stroud I District Council and E A N

certificates were once again the Cotswold Canals Trust. It has delivered a Pnew bridge, both G L

presented by Viscount solving a traffic problem and enabling the reinstatementM of a

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section of the canal and towpath. Much of the canal restoration N Bledisloe to representatives C

of the projects. has been undertaken by volunteers to high standards.CPRE A Cotswold D Canals Visitor Centre has been established and an enterprising G AWARDS volunteer has opened a new café. L O E U Chedworth Roman Villa Revealed Project I R n Citation: For bringing to life a derelict and badlyC damagedE H w S T E R S part of Stroud’s canal heritage, restoring a section of canal The visitor experience at Chedworth Roman Villa has been fully retaining its character, raising the profile of volunteer and transformed. The National Trust has provided a new building community action, and providing an important visitor focus at the over part of the site. A suspended walkway over the mosaic same time as resolving a long standing traffic problem. The project floors allows visitors to appreciate the size and complexity of is an outstanding example of a creative partnership the Villa. This experience is reinforced by interpretationT E C T R that O U R brings to life the world of the original occupants.R A remodelledA P L

and extended visitor building providesO a new cafeteria and E T N shop, and a Learning Centre has been added. Everything has w Wormington to Sapperton Gas Pipeline G N been carefully designed to fit into a sensitive landscape L G Project I A R O T

N P E A C Borough andO CotswoldT n Citation: For undertaking a radicalP review of the villa, its D T N R

M U

setting and its significance to visitors, which has resulted in District G A I R

the design and construction of an outstandingC CPRE example of This is a 44 kilometre majorA pipeline through the heartA of the Cotswolds AONB. WorkingP with the Conservation Board,L building within a site of historic and landscape importance, E M AWARDS R E a very substantial landscapeA reinstatement and community as well as skilfully accommodating newG and improved I N

L H C O enhancement package was put together. Now it is hard toG

facilities for visitors U S R L C E S T E see the line of the route, the widerCPRE landscape has benefited

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from dry stone walling projects,G AWARDS and local community N T E C L D R O T P R schemes have been supported.O And the work has been w O U Day’s Cottage Orchard andT Orchard R achieved with the minimumU of disruption. A C N L E E Skills Centre G S R E T I I n Citation: For outstanding care andE RdesignS H sensitivity in Stroud District A N

P G the execution of this very large scale infrastructure project

Recent years have seen a revival of interest in orchards L

M in the Cotswolds AONB which has resulted in the seamless A

and efforts to identify varieties of fruitA that were special to N reinstatement and enhancement of the landscape

Gloucestershire and to promote theirC propagation. Day’s Cottage w D Orchard has over 90 Gloucestershire apple varieties.CPRE A skills G AWARDS T R U centre has been developed in a handsome, unique 12-sided, E C R A L T L

canvas-roofed structure constructed fromO local sweet chestnut;E O E U R R N here courses are held on planting, pruning,C budding and graftingI P G E S S H  techniques and on orchard grassland management.T E R O L T A

N

N n Citation: For fostering Gloucestershire’s rich heritage of Tirlebrook Barn at Pamington received a commendation. A D

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apples and orchards and contributing substantially to their derelict agricultural barn has been convertedI to a physiotherapy clinic. A

increase, by propagating traditional varieties, promoting It is an excellent conversion and it is good to P see an economic use rather

methods of orchard management and teaching the skills than another conversion to a residential property.M w E

A CPRE R necessary for others to do the same C I H AWARDSS G R Gloucestershire views Spring 2013 L T E 8 CPRE O U C E S NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICTS NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICTS

Cheltenham,

Berkeley Vale the Planning Inspector supported Gloucester “ “ The expected rash of major Prue Vernon, Chairman “the decision to refuse planning and Tewkesbury planning applications has permission for four wind turbines “already started below Stinchcombe Hill Tom Hancock, Chairman

e have all given a are plans for a whole string and the Forest of Dean from another round of funding ublication of the various local opposition would be very damaging. between Prestbury Road and huge sigh of relief of individual turbines along the Severn Ridge. You may applications. Preferred Option groups, such as ‘Leglag’, Save The parish is, very sensibly, New Barn Lane. In February, Wthat the Planning the edge of the Severn also wish to comment in a The Robert Hitchens Group Pfor the Joint Core the Countryside and Save working energetically with Tewkesbury Borough Council Inspector supported the below the Forest of Dean. neighbourly way on these via have put in outline plans Strategy (JCS) for Gloucester, Brockworth Green Belt. The Tewkesbury Borough Council lost its High Court challenge decision to refuse planning (For additional details see the planning section of South to develop 1,500 houses Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Branch issued a press release to develop its own local plan. to the permissions given at permission for 4 x 120m the Forest of Dean Report.) Gloucestershire Council’s on all the land between is not now expected until on 13th January pointing CPRE is offering assistance appeal for a further 1,000 or wind turbines below The turbines would be very website. Stonehouse, Nupend, the mid 2013, to be followed by a out that the Brizen Farm from the specialists it used so houses at Homelands 2 Stinchcombe Hill. He made visible from the Vale and Before Christmas the Shell garage at Eastington six-week public consultation. development would not only to produce its own guide: and Cleevelands in Bishops a very detailed report after the Cotswold escarpment, Berkeley Vale had a lot of and Nastend up to the A419 As our Branch Chairman be premature but in the Planning and Localism: Cleeve so these will now go visiting and walking the key so, if you feel strongly, flooding in all the usual which links Stonehouse to points out in his lead article, wrong place. Choices and Choosing ahead. viewpoints and sites which please put your views on places and some new the A38. It is the equivalent this further delay is serious Significant developments (available via www.cpreglos. For its AGM this year, the would have been affected, line via the Forest of Dean ones. If anyone took any of a whole new town. Stroud because, from April, planning have been proposed for two org.uk). District is returning to Nature coming down in favour of District Council website or photographs of the flooding District Council has housing applications will be judged sites in . One – Chickens have been in Art at Wallsworth Hall, protecting the view of and write to them. Plusterwyne and could let their Parish targets to meet and this primarily against the policies for 92 houses off Greet Road another feature of recent on Friday, 10th from the edge of the Area of Residents Group would Councils have copies with proposed development will set out in the National – has been approved at the months! The District is May at 7pm. There will be Outstanding Natural Beauty, welcome your support. the place and date noted require a lot of work by Keep Planning Policy Framework second attempt after minor opposing an application for many new exhibits to see ie the Stinchcombe Hill There are also applications on them, they would form a Eastington Rural, CPRE and (NPPF) rather than the changes to landscaping. an industrial scale poultry since the 2009 AGM and escarpment. for two 130m turbines useful record against which other bodies to ensure that former local plans of the However the developer has unit – comprising four huge a special 25th anniversary There is an application for near Olveston in South to compare both future any development is of good three districts. appealed against refusal buildings to house up to exhibition ‘Postcard Portraits’ a wind turbine on the other Gloucestershire (District planning applications and quality with enough open The consequential expected of the initial application! A 200,000 birds – in a rural comprising a “spectacularly side of the river at Alvington Council reference the planning department’s spaces and is appropriate rash of major planning second, much more intrusive location at Pamington at diverse display” of A5 Court near – PT12/4071). As that area maps (which denote in to the area, with the applications has already proposal – for 120 houses off the end of a narrow lane original works of art by over Forest of Dean District is eventually likely to get various shades of blue those necessary infrastructure started, with a recent Gretton Road – has also gone totally unsuitable for the 250 artists associated with Council reference P1396/12/ a huge new nuclear power areas likely to flood). and opportunities for application to build 1,500 to appeal, following refusal. numerous associated HGV the museum. The AGM will FUL – and plans for another station, it seems unfair to Plans for further employment within a dwellings on Green Belt Both appeals are be heard at movements. It has also be followed by a talk by Mike close by at Plusterwyne plant 130m turbines on it as restoration of the reasonable distance. Have land between the A417 and a joint public inquiry starting opposed a 16,000-bird free Lovatt, the local author of Farm, Woolaston. There is well; it is a very attractive bit Stroudwater canal from a look at ‘Keep Eastington Brockworth. Developers on 3rd April 2013. range egg unit in the Green ‘The River Isbourne in the already one at . of countryside with stunning Eastington to Saul have Rural’ website for more have also been busy The village of Alderton Belt off Withybridge Lane, Service of Mankind’, and a We understand that there views of the Severn, The Vale gone very quiet, awaiting details. promoting their proposals is also being sized up by Boddington, just below finger buffet. for 1,100 (recently reduced a number of developers Hayden Hill, principally On 3rd July, there will from 1,300) new homes the first of which has just because of its industrial be a coach trip to Ragley in Leckhampton and 180 submitted plans for 47 scale; this application has Hall, just over the border in homes at Brizen Farm, in houses. Alderton is in an been withdrawn but a revised Warwickshire. In the autumn the adjacent Green Belt area of special landscape proposal is expected. we are hoping to arrange a off the Shurdington Road, value and is surrounded Meanwhile, in November visit to Gloucester Cathedral although in neither case on three sides by the 2012 Cheltenham Borough Library (not normally open has a planning application Cotswolds AONB, so the Council at last approved 350 to the public); further yet been submitted. CPRE visual effect of expansion dwellings plus a nursing information should be is in close contact with the on the scale envisaged home at Stavehall Farm, available by the AGM.

View from Coopers Hill over Brockworth and the Green Belt Save Brockworth Green Belt Save Brockworth Green

10 CPRE Gloucestershire views Spring 2013 Spring 2013 CPRE Gloucestershire views 11

NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICTS NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICTS

Forest of Dean The Government response to the final “ North Cotswolds Anne Prufer, Chairman report by the Independent Panel on Peter Loveday, Chairman “Forestry has come as a major relief

he response by the characteristics of its living, object to use of inappropriate application would appear to Secretary of State, Owen working landscapes is very sites for such installations. be the first for a series of 800 TPaterson, to the final welcome. An intended 87m high KW turbines, all of a similar report by the Independent Increasing demands are wind turbine near Alvington height, planned by developers Panel on Forestry has come being placed upon the District is an example of an to be strung out along the as a major relief to the to accept alternative energy installation that we do not length of the western side of Forest of Dean District. Set installations in the form of think appropriate and have the Severn Estuary. We have against CPRE’s lobbying for large wind turbines and large told Forest of Dean District told the District Council that, the establishment of a new photovoltaic solar arrays. It Council. We are particularly in effect, we consider the Area of Outstanding Beauty is not CPRE’s policy to oppose concerned because, following whole matter to be an attempt designation within the district, the use of alternative energy the St Briavels 500 KW to construct a wind farm by the Minister’s recognition of installations for the generation wind turbine, the Alvington stealth. the Dean’s unique historical, of electricity; it is its policy to Numerous installations of environmental and cultural photovoltaic solar panels on house roofs are now with us. We have not objected to any of these because they align with CPRE policy. However, last November, because of a potential threat to “best and most versatile” agricultural land and adverse landscape impact for users of the public Flooding in the North Cotswolds. Naunton footpath which traverses July 2012 looking west to St Andrews the site, we did object to church and (below) Naunton December a proposed solar array on 2012 the same view, under water. 15ha of land on the edge of Coleford. Rather surprisingly, the local Ramblers’ everal governments Association did not object ago a certain Secretary (subject to the line of the Sof State for the footpath being retained and Environment asked for protected). The District Council more houses to be built Planning Committee did not on greenfield sites (plus accept the case made by CPRE ça change…. ) and branded but delegated the application opponents to his building for officers to decide subject schemes NIMBYS. His double to the satisfactory resolution standards were however of some technical issues. exposed, as some years In January we learned that before he had written to another planning application the local council opposing for a solar farm is intended for a scheme to build houses c.37ha of land near . behind his own. The Although this is a large array site in question was the we understand that the meadowland in the centre District Council have decided of Naunton shown in the an Environmental Impact accompanying photographs. Assessment (EIA) is not Proposals for building required. near or on a flood plain are Meanwhile, just over the now of serious concern in border in Wales the Livox the North Cotswolds viz a Quarry proposal remains proposed large supermarket unresolved. In November to the south of Moreton- 2012 we made further in-Marsh outside any

representations following development area and in a landscape hitherto

additional points put forward designated as ‘Special’. the residents on Fosseway development in by the applicants. We gather Proposals for In February 2010 serious Avenue whose properties Bourton-on-the-Water the application will not be building near“ or flood risks were identified adjoin this proposed site. If has just been outlined – decided until early March. “on a flood plain in this area around Moreton any application is submitted, application 13/00291/OUT; – as its very name would North Cotswolds District will the applicant’s Flood Risk & Part of the northern Forest are now of serious suggest. At the time there vigorously oppose it. Water Environment report

Friends of the Forest of Dean Friends of the Forest of Dean concern was no alleviation offered to Another large housing will be closely scrutinised.

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South Cotswolds Stroud Nicholas Dummett, Chairman Geof Murray, Chairman “ The battle for green fields has already begun here are three major Less weight, if any, can “ interrelated issues 2be given in any planning Tfacing the District appeals either to the extant this year: 2005 Local Plan or to the new Local Plan until at least it has The need for the been approved by the District 1emerging new Stroud Council. There is therefore a District Local Plan to significant risk that developers progress as quickly as will take advantage of this reasonably possible through temporary situation and the formulation and local seek approval for greenfield approval stage so that it development on sites not can be submitted to an identified in the evidence for Examination in Public for the draft Local Plan especially government endorsement whenever the Council has during the course of next difficulty in achieving the 5 year. There has been years housing land supply much debate within the demanded by the Government. Council chamber about the alternative options for The battle for green fields future house building in 3has already begun with terms of concentrated an application for a major development on a limited development of up to 140 number of sites or dispersal houses at the foot of the Slad (as yet, at the time of Valley, on what is known writing, undefined) across locally as Baxter’s Field. There Rodborough Field the District. We have is also an application expected supported the concentration for around 100 houses on land boundary, within the setting of site’ within the emerging increase the use of the site, strategy subject to a couple at Rodborough Field. Each the Cotswolds AONB and is not Local Plan. We will work hard including traffic movements, of reservations in the detail. site is outside the settlement an accepted ‘strategic housing to defend these two sites in beyond that approved by the The restored Stroudwater these valued rural localities Secretary of State in 2009. canal and new lock at Baxter’s Field outside the Stroud urban area. A decision is awaited from

Stroud District Council’s In both cases, the local parish the Secretary of State on a

offices at Ebley Mill and town councils and their recent scoping report into “ communities are extremely the Environmental Impact he date for the Our chief concern has been the gypsy active in opposing these Assessment. In addition, the publication of the draft encroachment at Seven Springs developments. District Council has asked the TCotswold District local “ Health Protection Agency to plan has been deferred again Whilst work continues on review the gamma radiation until early summer. This it is the suburbanisation of last visited the restoration the restoration of the canal monitoring at the time of is bad news. It means that what had been open fields project ten years ago when through the Stroud area, it decommissioning the MoD from the end of March there in the Cotswolds AONB. The just a small stretch had been is unlikely that anything site. We will, in any event, will be a policy vacuum as District Council have refused completed – the rest was major will take place continue to oppose any planning applications will planning permission and intention. It was wonderful beyond Bowbridge Bridge to material expansion of use of be determined mainly by issued an enforcement notice to see much of that intention Brimscombe Port due to the the Business Park which is reference to the National to have the mobile home etc now in place and providing lack of sufficient funding for within the Cotswolds AONB. Planning Policy Framework removed. The gypsies have a truly charming backwater Phase 1A. In the meantime We are planning to hold a which is rather broad in its appealed and so the saga goes walk past renovated locks and there are efforts to attract number of events this year wording and so subject to on. The lack of suitable gypsy buildings. We were guided by temporary use of the existing for our members and to raise interpretation. sites is a well known problem members of the Canal Trust Port buildings and to bring the interest of people who However there have been no and must be solved; we think who gave us a warm welcome in some new investment for may wish to join us. They major planning applications. that should be through the to their office. There we had housing or other development. will be held at the Whiteways Our chief concern has been the planning system and we will tea and then inspected the We are keen to see an outline Colony near Miserden in gypsy encroachment at Seven be expecting Cotswold District major renovation of the canal or master plan for the Port May and the Bisley WI Hall Springs. Having been given Council to address the issue route under the roundabout before any new development in October; details are in the planning permission to put up when at last they publish the in the middle of Stroud; takes place. enclosed Diary of Events. We a stable they did so but then draft local plan. truly a gigantic piece of civil A number of planning also look forward to having a added a caravan, a mobile On a sometime sunny, engineering. Our heartfelt applications are pending for presence at the Stroud Show home, a large area of gravel sometime wet autumn day thanks go to our guides whose additional use of the Aston on Saturday 20 July – and a children’s play house. last year 30 hardy members enthusiasm quite overcame Down Business Park (on weather permitting of We, with many local people, joined our coach tour of the sometimes dismal the former MoD airfield) in course and after last year’s wrote to oppose this because the Stroudwater Canal. We weather. . These would cancellation.

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Tetbury Geraldine Shepherd, “ Chairman Planning permission for 250 homes at Highfield Farm and for 39 homes on the Bath Road site has “ been given at appeal

s mentioned in have been determined. The the government’s stated outweighed any other the last newsletter, Inspector found in favour of intention of ‘empowering adverse factors, including A plans to develop the the applicant in both cases local people to shape their potential damage to the Matbro and SIAC sites on and her decision has been surroundings’”. The fact Cotswolds AONB. the northern edge of the endorsed by the Secretary that she was prepared to do However, on the plus side, town have been granted of State. so was because Cotswold over 50% of the housing on outline planning consent CPRE have constantly District Council had not the Highfield Farm site is for the building of about supported the long fight of produced an up-to-date to be designated as much 200 residential units plus local residents against the Local Plan and was unable needed affordable housing two care homes. spate of large scale housing to demonstrate that it could for the town; the Inspector Now, both appeals against developments in meet the required 5 year has gone into considerable the refusal of the District over the last few years. housing land supply. detail as to how this should Council to grant outline Indeed, in her report, the Furthermore, the Inspector be implemented. This is planning permission for Inspector noted that “to concluded that even at important because in many 250 homes at the Highfield grant planning permission the lowest estimated level large-scale developments Farm site on the north for these proposals in the of requirement, there the provision of affordable side of Tetbury and for 39 face of sustained and was only about 3.8 years housing has been watered homes on the sensitive extensive local opposition supply of housing land and down once the development southern Bath Road site would appear to undermine that this serious shortfall has started.

Branch and District Contacts

CPRE Gloucestershire office (manned Tuesday and Thursday mornings) Community House, College Green Gloucester GL1 2LZ Tel/Fax: 01452 309783 e-mail: [email protected] North www.cpreglos.org.uk Cheltenham, Cotswolds Registered Charity No. 248577 Gloucester & Tewkesbury Chairman Charlie Watson Vice Chairman Richard Lloyd County Director David Brooke Forest of South Branch Administrator Marilyn McKechnie Cotswolds Membership Secretary Elizabeth Bourne Dean Hon Treasurer Andrew Ellis StroudStroud & 01242 237589 Berkeley Hon Secretary David Bayne Vale & 01242 237074 e-mail: [email protected] Tetbury District Chairmen Berkeley Vale Prue Vernon & 01453 860329 e-mail: [email protected] Stroud Geof Murray Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury & 01453 885738 Tom Hancock & 01242 602173 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Tetbury Geraldine Shepherd Forest of Dean Anne Prufer & 01600 772388 & 01666 880287 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] North Cotswold Peter Loveday & 01242 602887 Newsletter Editor David Bayne e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] South Cotswold Nicholas Dummett Design Colette Brownrigg & 01285 720090 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Printing TopFlight, Cheltenham & 01242 528906

16 CPRE Gloucestershire views Spring 2013