Plans to build a new home in the countryside near Cirencester have been turned down.

John Rettie wanted permission in principle to build a detached house on land next to The Malt House in Perrotts Brook, Bagendon.

The proposals were debated by Cotswold District Council’s planning and licensing committee on August 10.

Previous plans to build a home on the site were rejected in 2018 and a planning appeal was dismissed in 2019. And council officers recommended rejecting the new scheme.

“Overall, it is considered that the introduction of a dwelling and associated domestic development onto the land will fail to complement the form and character of the settlement, will have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the Cotswolds AONB and the setting of a listed building,” the officer’s report stated.

“In addition, insufficient information is available to demonstrate that the proposal will not have an adverse impact on the Cotswold Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation. It is therefore recommended that the application is refused.”

Six people objected to the new proposals citing concerns it is outside the settlement boundary and would harm the setting of the Cotswold area of outstanding natural beauty.

They also raised concerns the area suffers from poor drainage and the access would be onto a small country lane with poor visibility. 

The proposals were brought before the committee because Mr Rettie is a close relative of Councillor Jenny Forde (LD, Chedworth & Churn Valley).

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Stephen Hirst (C, Tetbury Town) said: “Looking at the other representations, it says there has been no change in policy, no circumstances to warrant a different decision.”

Cllr Juliet Layton (LD, South Cerney Village) said there were strong reasons for refusal and proposed rejecting the scheme.

This was seconded by Cllr Julia Judd (C, Ermin) and councillors voted unanimously to reject the proposals.