THE decision to refuse plans for 45 homes on land next to Lechlade Cricket Club has been appealed by the developer.

Barwood Developments Security Ltd submitted the application back in 2013 but was met with ‘vigorous’ opposition from Lechlade Town Council.

Cotswold District Council refused the plans in December last year, which included 50 per cent affordable homes, but Barwood appealed against councillors' decision.

Mayor of Lechlade Steve Trotter said more than 100 people wrote letters opposing the development planned for the land next to Lechlade Cricket Club on Faringdon Road.

“We did not like the design and layout or the proximity to the other houses,” said Cllr Trotter. “It’s essentially medieval parkland which has been there for 500 years. Building housing on it is opportunistic.”

He went on to say that the development was planned for a ‘historic’ area of Lechlade which would be clearly visible to those entering the town.

“The history of appeals is not very good,” Cllr Trotter continued. “We really don’t want to go the same way as Fairford.”

Neighbouring town Fairford has recently been inundated with new developments, and many of the town’s residents have said the infrastructure will not be able to cope.

Cllr Trotter added that the Lechlade Town Council had now done all they can, submitting two letters of objection to the development, and must just wait for the inquiry to come around in March.

The council has also submitted a draft version of its neighbourhood plan to CDC, and Cllr Trotter said they are one of the first town councils in the area to do so.

The inquiry was originally planned for September but the planning inspector said it would take more than one day to discuss.

It has now been moved to March 17 next year and will last for five days.

Barwood was unavailable to comment on why it chose to appeal against the decision to refuse.