Controversial plans to build 17 homes in Gotherington could be approved tomorrow despite residents saying it could be the first steps to the joining of two villages.
The application by Centaur Homes to build the houses off Shutter Lane has been recommended for delegated permit by Tewkesbury Borough Council officers.
Twenty-nine letters of objections sent by residents to the Borough Council highlights a list of problems about the proposed development.
Residents say the development could be the first step towards Gotherington being joined to Bishop’s Cleeve, and the site is unsuitable for development and would cause traffic problems.
In their objections, residents wrote: “The sire is surrounded by the Special Landscape Area and is of an unacceptable high density, entirely out of keeping within the other properties along Shutter Lane.
“Shutter Lane passes through the pub car park and the bus turning area. Any increase in traffic along the lane would cause a greater hazard to pedestrians and road users.
“There should be proper traffic survey. The developers have under-estimated the amount of traffic likely to be generated.
“Recent village appraisal indicated that new development outside the linear layout of the village is not welcomed. Gotherington is predominantly a linear village, and should be kept linear.
“The development would have a detrimental impact on the surrounding footpaths.
“There are fears that this proposal is one step closer to the joining of Gotherington and Bishop’s Cleeve.
“Shutter Lane is of historical significance and surrounded by listed buildings and ancient footpaths, including Coffin Way.”
Gotherington Parish Council “strongly objects” the plans, saying the 17 new homes could increase the traffic volume by five-fold, causing more danger for pedestrians and road users.
It also insists the new homes will cause a negative impact on the surrounding landscape.
The development will have six affordable homes, which will be made up of four two-bedroom and two three-bedroom units.
There will also be six five-bedroom homes, three four-bedroom, and two bungalows.
A report from Tewkesbury Borough Council recognise the site is outside “the recognised settlement boundary”.
It read: “It is argued that because Gotherington’s development boundary is drawn so tightly around the village, and infill opportunities within it have been exhausted, it is inevitable that its village development boundary will have to be extended to include land on its periphery if housing requirements are to be met.
“It is considered that subject to securing the required contributions towards community facilities, the proposal represents sustainable development.
“It is therefore recommended that permission be delegated to the development manager to allow for any necessary amendments to the proposed planning conditions and to allow for the completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure planning obligations.”