PLANS have been submitted to demolish old council houses in the area to make way for 82 new homes.

Bromford Housing wants permission from Cotswold District Council (CDC) to go ahead with their plans for Berkeley Close in South Cerney.

Councillors are due to consider the proposals for the 5.3-acre site at their planning and licensing committee meeting today, Wednesday, August 7.

The plans include the demolition of 56 existing homes and 21 lock-up garages as well as the stopping up of an existing highway.

The scheme includes the construction of 82 new homes and the retention and refurbishment of two of the existing properties.

The new home would include four one-bed flats, seven one-bed bungalows, eight one-bed homes, four two-bed bungalows, 29 two-bed houses, 28 3-bed houses and two four-bed properties.

And the development includes a new highway, drives and open spaces.

So far, four residents have objected to the proposals along with South Cerney Parish Council.

An artist's impression of the proposed scheme in Berkeley Close

Residents say the scheme will lead to a loss of open green space and drop off area for the school. They also say bollards preventing access along the road should be removed.

The parish council said it welcomes changes which include a bigger informal play area but feels that is “only just about adequate”.

“The parish council has concerns with regard to potential groundwater abstraction during the construction phase and requests that that the Environment Agency should be approached for a response to the application, particularly following the ongoing illegal abstraction by Wainhomes on the neighbouring site,” the council report reads.

“The parish council still has serious concerns regarding the removal of the drop off point at the school, and are disappointed that the CDC planning committee had not taken account of this issue.”

Planning officers have recommended approving the scheme as they say the redevelopment of the site is welcomed and is in line with national and local policies.

“The provision of upgraded affordable housing that is more fit-for-purpose is beneficial to the council’s housing strategy,” the council report reads.

“The proposed development would not result in harm to the character and appearance of the area, to biodiversity neither would it have a detrimental effect upon highway safety.”

Councillors will consider the plans on August 7.