Controversial plans to build homes on a play area have been turned down.

Ruislip Manor Property Ltd’s plans to build four homes on the play area at The Bourne in Brimscombe have been rejected by Stroud District Council.

Council officers had recommended approving the proposals for the just under one acre rectangular parcel of privately-owned land.

A supporting statement sent on behalf of the applicant said the plans were a well-considered design solution for the empty vacant site which used to belong to the district council.

However, the development control committee last night (November 15) took on board the concerns of more than 30 residents who objected to the scheme along with Brimscombe with Thrupp Parish Council.

Their concerns included road safety, its overbearing impact on Queens Court and the loss of green open space.

Councillor Tricia Watson (G, Chalford) called on the committee to listen to the community and reject the proposals.

And Councillor Helen Fenton (Independent Left, Chalford) proposed rejecting the proposal and this was seconded by Cllr Lindsey Green (C, Berkeley Vale).

Cllr Fenton said she had in mind the council’s experience with the planning application for the Berryfields site which was turned down.

“We’ve got a very similar situation here. We’ve got highways concerns and environmental issues as well.

“It’s the fact it’s an open space which is recognised to be of value to the community that is the overwhelming reason here.”

Councillor Lorraine Patrick (C, Dursley) said she was not concerned about voting against the officer’s recommendation to grant permission.

She said: “I’m not really one for telling people what they can and can’t do with their own piece of land.

“However, we have pretty much the whole community here. If we don’t listen to them…

“I look at it as my job to listen to the community. I’m not frightened of going against the officer’s advice and listening to the community. I’ve done it before and I will do it again as you know.

“It’s our job to do that and if it goes wrong it’s our fault, not yours.”

Her comments received a round of applause from the public and the committee voted to reject the scheme by eight votes in favour with two abstentions.