Published on 11th May 2016

view of Cheltenham town from Leckhampton Hill

Planning permission for up to 650 new homes at Leckhampton has been refused by the Secretary of State following a local inquiry held between 22 - 25 September and 29 September - 2 October 2015.

A detailed report has been provided detailing the main issues considered by the Inspector and taken into account by the Secretary of State.

Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety said "I am pleased that the Secretary of State has recognised the serious concerns that the council had in relation to this planning application, and has agreed that the council's decision to turn down the application was correct.’’

Councillor Steve Jordan, leader of the council continued: “The decision recognises the arguments put forward on prematurity. It is a success for local democracy and we now wait for the Inspector’s findings on the JCS which are expected at the end of May.’’

Tracey Crews, director of planning added: “Officers are working through the issues raised by the appeal decision with the main reasons for refusal being the impact on highway issues based upon the transport mitigation package put forward, impact on local landscape and issues raised by the debate on Local Green Space.’’

In making the case for the development to proceed, the appellants also submitted an award of costs, arguing that the council had acted unreasonably in its decision making. In considering the application for costs, the Secretary of State concluded overall that unreasonable behaviour resulting in unnecessary expense had not been demonstrated and that an award of costs is not justified.

Read the appeal decision and documents.


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