A CONTROVERSIAL green-field planning application in Minchinhampton has been overwhelmingly opposed by the parish council.

At a packed meeting on Monday, the councillors voted by seven votes to zero to object to the development of five new homes in the town, with three abstentions.

Long-standing residents Chris and Estelle Manson-Whitton have lodged a planning application to build the homes, a courtyard and a community orchard on the Well Hill Old Vineyard.

But they have met stiff resistance from a community action group Protect Our Space, who have campaigned fervently against the development.

A comment from the council said: “[We] objected to the buildings site lies outside the settlement boundary, and because the National Planning Policy Framework dictates that great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

Chris and Estelle who have lived in Minchinhampton for 12 years said: “Along with many other Minchinhampton residents we are disappointed with the response from the parish council, but we will wait to see what decision is made by the planning officer at Stroud District Council.”

Stroud News and Journal:

But the result was welcomed by members of Protect Our Space.

Its chairman Phil Smith said they were “very pleased with the outcome”.

“We were delighted by the amount of our supporters that showed up to the meeting. We were able to make the council aware of some of the big issues surrounding the plans, and show the huge levels of opposition in the town.

“I think we demonstrated that we are a vocal group, but definitely not a small group.”

He said a petition against the development has now reached 658 signatures, of which the “overwhelming majority” were gathered locally.

A decision is due to be made by Stroud District Council’s planners in late September.

Today is the last day to submit comments or objections.