PLANS to demolish old council houses in South Cerney to make way for 82 new homes have been given the green light with conditions to alleviate parking woes near a school.

Bromford Housing has been granted permission from Cotswold District Council (CDC) to go ahead with their plans for Berkeley Close.

Councillors considered the proposals for the 5.3-acre site at their planning and licensing committee meeting on 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 homes will include four one-bed flats, seven one-bed bungalows, eight one-bed homes, four two-bed bungalows, 29 two-bed houses, 28 three-bed houses and two four-bed properties.

And the development includes a new highway, drives and open spaces. Some four residents objected to the proposals along with South Cerney Parish Council.

Parish councillor Ray Williamson raised concerns at the meeting about the “major problem” of road safety at the nearby Ann Edwards Church of England school.

“As this is the only access road for both the primary school and the pre-school playgroup, the road will need to cater for school buses and cars waiting to collect and drop off children as well as residents parking on the street,” he said.

“This will lead to congestion and an unsafe environment for children, parents and residents. We urge Bromford to address this problem to ensure road safety in the visintiy of the school remains a priority.”

Chris McNulty, speaking as Bromford’s agent, said the proposals had previously been considered in March.

He said there have been many break-ins at the vacant properties.

“We know there is a great desire locally for this scheme to progress as soon as possible.”

He said the scheme offers many and varied benefits such as a significant increase in affordable homes.

“This will help village residents to remain living locally while property prices have surged. It will also ensure that new families can find a secure home from which to build their homes in the village.”

He said the plans will also allow those who lived in Berkeley Close residents to return to a brand new home fit for the future if they wish to.

Mr Williamson also said they made the amendments to increase the size of the open space.

Councillor Juliet Layton (LD, South Cerney Village) said it was fantastic that they achieved an acceptable open green space on the site.

And described the proposals as a “fabulous new development with super houses”.

But she felt the issue regarding the road was not discussed enough at the previous meeting. “I don’t want those to be in detriment for an ongoing never ending problem for parking drop off for children.

“We need to consider what mitigation we can do to ask for something to make that area better.”

Councillor Gary Selwyn (LD, Watermoor) said he fully supports Bromford’s efforts in renewing its housing stock and said he was very content with the application.

And Cllr Mike Evemy (LD, Siddington and Cerney Rural) said he was supportive of the scheme very familiar with the locality.

He said it was regrettable a scheme wasn’t brought forward in March which could have been agreed.

“We want this scheme to go forward. But Bromford needs to take in why the delay is and that is because they didn’t listen.

“The situation about the parking is clearly a matter that was raised last year as part of the initial consultation.”

He said he was happy to give the officers work with the county council and owner to find a solution.

Councillor David Cunninham (C, Fosseridge) said it was a great development. But also said it is important they address the parish council’s concerns.

Councillor Andrew Maclean (G, The Rissingtons) proposed approving the scheme and this was seconded by Cllr David Fowles (C, Coln Valley).

The committee voted unanimously to approve the proposals.

The approval includes a condition to allow officers to finalise conditions for a scheme to mitigate the displacement of parking spaces as a result of the development.