By Saul Cooke-Black

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Grange Fields from a housing development have been given a boost after Gloucestershire Highways recommended the plans be refused.

Proposals for 80 homes in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) in Painswick have been opposed by residents who, among other concerns, believe there will be a big increase in traffic problems – and this week the Highways department backed up their argument.

Highways’ development co-ordinator Oliver Eden said that developer Charles Church’s application to Stroud District Council should be refused as insufficient evidence has been submitted to show that safe and suitable access to the site can be achieved.

He said more information must be given to show the proposed roundabout will reduce vehicle speeds when travelling from Painswick Road to Beeches Green.

Concerns were also raised by highways that the new roundabout off the A46 would lead to traffic congestion and queuing.

Chas Townley, councillor for Uplands on Stroud District Council, said: “The county highways response demonstrates the planned access isn’t fit for purpose. This is great news for the campaigners but doesn’t mean the battle for Grange Fields has been won yet.”

Kate Van Den Broek, from the Save Grange Fields AONB campaign group, said: “The response from the county highways was based on concerns put forward by residents, which shows people’s objections are making a difference.”

Stroud Town Council has also registered its objection to the planning application.

Mayor of Stroud Kevin Cranston told the SNJ: “Building in an AONB is not a precedent that we would want to set. We are also against the principle of building on greenfield sites when there are plenty of brownfield areas available.”