By Saul Cooke-Black

DEVELOPERS have submitted a controversial plan to build homes on a green field near Stroud.

Gladman Developments, based in Cheshire, has submitted a planning application to build 20 homes on Baxter’s Field, off Summer Street in the Slad Valley, made famous by Stroud author Laurie Lee.

Affordable housing would make up around one third of the homes and a vehicular access point would also be built from Summer Street.

It is the third time the developer has submitted plans to build on the site which is on the edge of the Cotswold AONB.

Stroud District Council and a planning inspector rejected a planning application to build 112 homes in the same location last year.

Andy Dickinson, chairman of the Slad Valley Action Group, said: “It is outrageous that Gladman has submitted yet another proposal to cover the Slad Valley with concrete and spoil the glorious views into and out the AONB.

“The proposal should be rejected out of hand as it will urbanise some of the best views we are lucky enough to have around Stroud.

“Surely they know by now that Laurie Lee’s beautiful valley is not the right place for housing development.”

The action group has called a meeting at the Wesley Rooms in Parliament Street at 7.30pm next Thursday, November 26 to discuss how to oppose the plans.

Gladman has yet to respond to the SNJ's request for comment.

Search planning application reference S.15/2549/OUT on the Stroud District Council website to find out more.