Villagers’ traffic fears over new homes proposals
Summary
A proposed new housing scheme in a Cotswold village has led to increased fears of accidents occurring. Newland Homes has submitted an application to build 38 zero carbon homes in a range of sizes on land off Nash Road, immediately north of Collin Lane (B4632). The 1.5 hectare site is adjacent to the recently developed Willow Green development along the eastern and southern boundary.
Details
Newland Homes submitted an outline application in July 2018 which was refused due to the proposal not being within the development boundary. The developer has posted a consultation leaflet to neighbouring residents to present initial plans for the site and a meeting was held with the parish council and local residents in October 2025 to discuss initial plans and take comments.
In their Design & Access Statement, Newlands Homes said: “After reviewing our initial proposals, we have fed in comments from consultants, parish council and the views of residents. We have looked to evolve a scheme which is sympathetic to its context and responds positively to the local area, creating a high quality sustainable development which responds to the landscape and ecological characteristics of the site.
“These proposals look to achieve a development with a strong identity and distinct sense of place, whilst integrating with the existing community. We aim to create a development for the 21st Century, whilst reflecting the desirable elements of the local vernacular.
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“The proposed development will create housing choice and new amenity spaces for the existing and new community whilst improving public access across the site and to the wider pedestrian network.
Newland homes are a local developer, having completed developments locally in recent years we are very proud of recognition for our approach.” However, Willersey Parish Council has raised concerns particularly about traffic issues.
The council said in a statement: ” The original Willow Green permission required the installation of traffic calming build outs on Collin Lane to address speeding at the development’s egress. These were intended to improve safety.
In practice, the build outs – particularly the eastern one – have increased highway danger, caused multiple collisions, and created a known hazard acknowledged by Highways, Newlands Homes and Gloucestershire Police.” The council added: “We will be submitting a comprehensive comment on all matters but wish the following initial comment to be considered by Highways in its discussions as the Collin Lane build outs are a continuing safety hazard and the site of numerous accidents.” The council’s fears have been echoed by another objector, Heather Rothwell , who said: “The plans submitted do not show that there is a considerable problem with speeding into the village on the B4632, and the access route to the development is already subject to many problems with daily near-misses at the build outs installed as part of the existing Willow Green development.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester