Plans for holiday lodges in the countryside near Cirencester have been rejected.

Mark Pope and Rebecca Arnold’s plans to install five lodges at Oakleaze in South Cerney Road, Siddington were debated at Cotswold District Council this week.

The property benefits from off road parking and was previously used as a touring caravan site, with five areas of hardstanding off an access drive.

Council officers had recommended approving the proposals which in their view were in line with planning policies.

But Andrew Pywell, speaking on behalf of other residents, said they had not received any notice of the proposals and are very concerned about the scheme.

He said all planning applications should be considered in line with the local plan.

“In this case Cllr [Mike] Evemy (LD, Siddington and Cerney Rural) has correctly identified the proposals are in conflict with the local planning policy EC11 as they do not meet those criteria in the committee report.

“Historic use of the site for touring caravans is not a relevant policy consideration and came to an end at least ten years ago.”

He also said the South Cerney Road is incredibly dangerous and called on councillors to turn down the proposals.

Trevor Webb, the son in law of the previous owners of the site David and June Bennett, called on the committee to approve the proposals.

He said the lodges would bring benefits to the area and would be similar to the award winning caravan/motorhome camping site which operated on the site for many years.

“David and June purchased the land in 1952, built their home there, landscaped the surrounding plot and established the beech hedge which screens the site from the roadway.

“They planted trees and shrubs including the oak from which the site derives its name.”

He said when Mr Bennett retired he improved the land around their site creating a caravan club certified location.

The award-winning site attracted many people to the location due to its well kept site and proximity to attractions and safe cycling routes.

“This application for short stay lodges builds on the legacy laid down by David and June with sustainable improvements,” he added.

A statement was read out on behalf of Cllr Evemy who said it was not a suitable site and should be rejected. During the debate, Cllr Julia Judd (C, Ermin) said if it were a new application it wouldn’t even come to the committee and would be refused by the case officer.

“Since there were caravans in this location we’ve got a new local plan. There’s no pavement, nowhere for people to eat or drink or do anything from these lodges. It’s not a particularly interesting area and it’s not sustainable.”

She proposed rejecting planning permission due to its unsustainable location and being outside the development area this was seconded by Cllr Patrick Coleman (LD, Stratton). Cllr Mark Harris (LD, Abbey) said the site is on a well used cyclepath and the fall back position was not as pleasant as the proposal.

“It seems a bit crazy to me not to permit. It’s very balanced in my view. I’m erring on the side of following the officer’s recommendation to permit.”

The committee voted to reject the scheme by six votes to five.