PLANS to build a new GP surgery and 27 homes in a Cotswold town have been deferred.
Stonewood Partnerships Ltd wants permission to develop land west of Worwell Farmhouse in Cirencester Road, Tetbury.
The housing scheme, which includes 11 affordable homes, was considered by Cotswold District Council’s planning committee today (April 26).
Officers had recommended approving the scheme which includes a purpose built primary healthcare facility to replace the current surgery in Tetbury.
The proposals include 56 parking spaces and a new path running along the eastern side of the Cirencester Road.
Tetbury Town Council supported the proposals but more than 60 objections from residents were lodged against the scheme.
Richard Barley, who spoke against the proposals, said it would lead to a large loss of land in a unique part of Tetbury.
He said the developer had found a “clever way of dovetailing a residential proposal with a commercial proposition”.
“They absolutely know 100 percent that a residential only development would never see the light of day.”
He conceded the town is in need of a new surgery but this site was not the answer.
Helen Young, another resident, spoke in favour of the plans.
She said the current rate of development expansion in Tetbury is not balancing out.
“The number of new residents and families has increased considerably over the last number of years and we are still without a coherent plan for GP facilities in the town.
“I understand the need to preserve the environment and ecosystem, but if planners are amenable to new build housing, it is vital that we have modern NHS solutions for our health and wellbeing.
“If this development does not go ahead, there is a huge risk to the town losing our GP surgery altogether.”
Councillors were concerned about the impact of the proposals and felt they needed to see the area which is planned for development.
Councillor Mark Harris (LD, Abbey) proposed deferring the proposals to allow the committee to have a site visit.
The deferral was approved by ten votes to one.
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