CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for 140 houses in the Slad Valley have criticised the developers for not providing enough information about the scheme.


Slad Valley Action Group claim the Cheshire-based property firm Gladman has failed to disclose crucial details about its plans for the 15.5 acre site off Summer Street in Stroud.


Members of the group are unhappy that the developer has not included more information with its planning application about the design of the houses and the exact number it plans to build on the landscape immortalised by Laurie Lee in Cider With Rosie.


However, Gladman has defended its application, saying it contains a sufficient amount of information to allow Stroud District Council to decide the proposals.


"They have missed out key information which would tell us what the development will look like," said Eric Jarrett, founder of the action group.


"It is easy to say that the proposal won't harm the landscape if you do not give any information.


"But you only have to look at these fields from any local viewpoint and you can instantly see that a mass of houses will destroy the character of our beautiful valley."


Molly Scott Cato, Green Party district councillor for the Valley ward, said: "I am proud to represent the most beautiful valley in the country and I will do whatever I can to oppose this development.


"We are fed up with the few making profits, while the quality of life is destroyed for the rest of us. This planning proposal offers nothing to the people of the Valley ward or Stroud town and I urge members of the development control committee to vote against it."


In a statement, Martyn Twigg, project director for Gladman, said: "It is perfectly normal to submit a planning application in outline. 


"Our proposals contain the necessary level of information to enable the council to determine the proposals. If the council require any additional information we are sure they will request it."

 

 

SLAD Valley Action Group is hosting two drop-in sessions to provide Stroud residents with more information about the proposals for 140 houses on Baxter's Field, Summer Street.


The first drop-in event takes place on Tuesday, February 19, at the Fountain Inn in Stroud from 7pm-9pm, while the second takes place on Wednesday, February 20, at The Cross Hands pub in Parliament Street from 7pm-9pm.


Members of the group will help residents prepare objection letters.


Members will also be raising awareness in Stroud town centre on Saturday, February 16.


The group will be speaking to the public from 9am and then on Sunday, February 17 they will host a drop-in public meeting at St Laurence Church Hall, The Shambles, between 2pm-5pm, to help residents prepare their objection letters.