PLANNERS are due to consider two different planning applications to transform a large industrial site just off the A46 in North Woodchester into new offices and housing.

Applicant Mr A Duce has submitted two separate options for redeveloping former piano factory site at Woodchester Mill.

The applications - which are both recommended for approval – would not make any changes to the historic mill itself, which is featured in Laurie Lee’s famous memoir Cider with Rosie.

The mill is currently used as a barn showroom and is occupied by Sofas and Stuff, Lewis and Wood Ltd and Matrics Ltd.

But the developer’s vision would see the other empty industrial buildings on the site demolished to clear an area for new housing.

This is where the two applications differ slightly in their proposals.

While the first would build six houses and two large offices, the second option would simply build 10 houses on the land.

Most of these semi-detached houses would have small gardens and be built around the south of the site, which lies just next to the Nailsworth stream.

Stroud News and Journal:

The first application would see a disused stone building attached to the mill converted into two separate offices.

But the second plan would use this building for four more semi-detached houses instead.

Access for vehicles in both plans would come from Selsley Road and from Paul’s Rise.

The applications also set out plans for car parking on site and an area opposite the mill, across Selsley Road. There would be a small road and driveways built into the land.

The site is located within the defined settlement boundary, is adjacent to the Cotswold AONB and is located within an Industrial Heritage Conservation Area.

Mr Duce’s application has seen many dozens of comments and objections online.

Woodchester Parish Council has objected to the plans, citing fears over reversing lorries as a danger to children and pedestrians.

They also raised concerns over parking spaces on Selsley Road.

Woodchester Mill is located about two and a half miles out of Nailsworth, on the A46 to Stroud.

Up until 2004 it was then occupied by the distinguished piano maker, Bentley Pianos Ltd.

Stroud District Council’s Development Control Committee will vote on whether to grant permission for the project at a meeting on Tuesday March 8.

  • Visit the council’s planning section on the website and search S.15/1236/FUL and S.15/1237/FUL to view the plans yourself.