DCC: Aston Down plans rejected and Cashes Green Vicarage threatened

Today at Development Control Committee I had to note an interest on the planning application re Aston Down airfield near Minchinhampton. I was commissioned by Cllr. Sarah Lunnon to look at the site in 2004. This led to much research and a 20-page report: "Aston Down: Sustainable Development Or Traffic Chaos?" (August 2004). Since then I have continued to take a strong interest in the site.

Photo: Aston entrance

It seems a pity that I could not participate in the discussions or vote as I have looked at the site in much detail - however as I have expressed views, like that enforcement should take place on the businesses on the site, this could be viewed that I do not have an open mind.....even though all those comments were made prior to being a councillor and on the basis of research that has been backed up by what the Officers are recommending in their report.

Their are many serious issues that, in my view, make this site unsuitable for the development proposed. Furthermore I am convinced that enforcement action on the unauthorised uses on the base is long overdue: the site remains a breach in planning control. I am pleased to report the committee voted for refusal of development and for enforcement - but only on the casting vote of the Chair......this seems extraodinary to me as there were so many clear planning reasons why this development should not go-ahead - in my view there was no alternative but to accept the officers recommendations.

Having said all that I am not opposed to all development on the site - there is no reason why some would not be suitable, but we must consider what is sutainable.....

Photo left: Vicarage in days gone by and photo below is of the carved concrete ship above the door.

Other planning issues today included the Vicarage in Cashes Green - planning permission had already been given to pull this building down and build houses on the site - Listed building status was considered in the past but the building didn't meet the criteria - apparently the Diocese who own the site are still looking at possibly saving the building although they didn't withdraw their plans for houses on the site today which included demolition of the Vicarage - if they don't act to save it they may need some more community action and letters to save the site - have even heard some talk of a sit in - similar to the tree sits that saved those trees outside Tesco.

Campaigners to save the building say this is one of the only old and slightly more interesting buildings in the area - they want to see it saved. Their view was supported by the Parish Council and some 30 people who turned up to a recent meeting.

The SDC website should have the webcast on soon so you'll be able to catch the other items - as usual I managed to raise Sustainable Urban Drainage as an issue on 3 or 4 applications.