Hundreds object to plans for 500 new homes on edge of Gloucestershire town

The site is technically in Bredon’s Hardwick in Worcestershire but is next to the Mitton estate on the northern outskirts of Tewkesbury.

Published 3rd Jul 2023

New plans to build 500 homes on the edge of a Gloucestershire town have sparked hundreds of objections from residents.

Barratt Development Plc, Mactaggart and Mickel want permission to develop almost 112 acres of land east of Bredon Road off Tewkesbury Road in Bredon’s Hardwick.

The site is technically in Bredon’s Hardwick in Worcestershire but is next to the Mitton estate on the northern outskirts of Tewkesbury.

Tewkesbury Town Council is among the hundreds of objectors who are against the proposals which have been submitted to Wychavon District Council.

A similar application was rejected by district planners last year but now the developers have come back with a new scheme.

Developers appealed this rejection however this was dismissed by a planning inspector.

They felt the applicant’s transport assessment had been unable to demonstrate their approach for considering the traffic impact was robust enough. The developers are now preparing an updated transport assessment.

Councillor Mike Sztymiak (I, Tewkesbury Town with Mitton), who represents the area on Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “We’ve always opposed the houses being put up there because they’ve never really been consulted on as part of a strategic plan.

“They are included in the South Worcestershire review but that is still to be consulted on and going through the processes.

“Our main concerns about the housing is the impact on flooding on Tewkesbury. Back in 2007 a lot of the damage was done by rain coming from the east of the county and that direction, rather than the Avon and the Severn.”

He said there are also many concerns over the impact on services in the town with all the council tax rates to be going towards Wychavon.

“All the extra traffic is going to go through Northway, Bredon or down onto the Bredon Road to the small roundabout by the Black Bear.”

Consultants working on the scheme say the development would provide new housing in a “sustainable and appropriate” location.

It would also be a place which benefits new residents but also existing communities with access to amenities for all.

Anyone wishing to view or comment on the plans can do so by visiting Wychavon District Council’s planning portal and searching for application W/23/00682/OUT. The deadline for comments is August 8, 2023.

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