APPEAL: LAND AT GLOUCESTER ROAD STRATTON, CIRENCESTER
Provision of a new secure roadside truck stop facility, including associated HGV and car parking, drivers facilities building, vehicular access, service yard and landscaping.
The proposals by William Gilder Ltd to build a new 75-space truck stop on land at Gloucester Road near the A417 in Stratton in March this year was rejected by Cotswold District Council. However the company have lodged an appeal against the council's decision and it could still go ahead.
Councillor Julia Judd (C, Ermin) says it is “the wrong application in the wrong place. You cannot ‘undo’ major development, there are a plethora of suitable ‘underused’ aprons of concreted or metalled spaces within just a few miles of this site which could be repurposed. No one contests that truck drivers need and deserve better facilities, but not here, high up on this precious and sensitive part of the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty where nature, wildlife and rural tranquillity reign.” Julia said.
The appeal hearing will begin on 31 January 2023. The applicant has registered 6 unnamed professional witnesses. The extra court days have yet to be set by could be as late as April 2023 or thereafter.
A planning inspector will consider the appeal on January 31.The planning inquiry is expected to take four days.