Slad Valley’s Wades Farm saved from Development
The success of a campaign to stop 48 houses being built in the Slad Valley, within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty immortalized by Laurie Lee in ‘Cider with Rosie’ has been confirmed after house developer Barratt Homes has failed to lodge an appeal within the given time.
In August 2011 Stroud District Council’s planning committee refused Barratt Homes’ application and the house builder had until 10 February 2012 to appeal. In the face of determined opposition from local people who set up the Save Slad and Uplands from Development (SSUD) supported by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Gloucestershire branch and others, it has decided not to do so.
Geof Murray, Chairman of CPRE Gloucestershire’s Stroud district, said: “In November 2010 Barratt Homes announced its intention to build up to 50 houses at Wades Farm, in the beautiful Slad Valley. The ‘Save Slad and Uplands from Development’ group was formed by Stroud residents alarmed by the prospect of loosing a precious open space and destroying the character and appearance of the beautiful Slad Valley for ever.”
Simon Arundel, Co-chair of SSUD Campaign Group said: “The loss of Wades Farm would have laid open the opportunity for inappropriate in-fill development encroaching into the countryside on both sides of the valley. We are grateful for the support from so many who helped oppose this development.”
Opposition to the proposed development was also expressed by the Cotswolds Conservation Board, Natural England and Stroud Town Council and the campaign culminated in over 800 letters of objection to the District Council, the highest number recorded for a residential development in the district.
CPRE Gloucestershire has now nominated the campaign for the National Trust Octavia Hill Awards, which recognises those campaigning to protect green space.
Geof added: “The dedication and effort the group invested to defend this area of glorious countryside from unsustainable development was impressive.”
CPRE Gloucestershire – notes for editors
CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. It advocates positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have a branch in every county. www.cpre.org.uk www.cpreglos.org.uk
Why is CPRE Gloucestershire’s view important?
CPRE has been standing up for the countryside for over 80 years. Unlike many environmental charities, CPRE has no vested interests; the organisation owns no land and relies solely on donations and grants. It is politically independent. CPRE is concerned with land use across England, urban as well as rural. Its campaigning is evidence-based, reasoned and authoritative. Many CPRE members nationally and in Gloucestershire are experts in the planning system at all levels, local, regional and national.