Greenbelt - Major review to go ahead
The Gloucestershire Echo, 12th September 2005

The greenbelt surrounding Cheltenham and Tewkesbury is to undergo a massive review which could pave the way for a dramatic change in the local landscape.

All greenbelt land will be examined to see if it should be developed or protected.

The review comes as pressure is imposed by the South West Regional Assembly, which says 30,000 new homes should be built in Cheltenham and Gloucester by 2026.

It identified Uckington, Staverton and Innsworth as possible sites.

Tewkesbury Borough Council has also identified four greenbelt sites which it wants to build on: the M&G sports fields and Middle Farm off Cold Pool Lane in Cheltenham are allocated for 350 homes; Mill Lane in Brockworth is down for 120; a site north of Hucclecote Road in Hucclecote will take 60; and Hill View Nurseries in Shurdington will take 12 homes.

The areas in Cheltenham most likely to be targeted include land off Tewkesbury Road, west of Swindon Village , which has been identified for 2,000 homes, offices and community facilities.

Developers have also been eyeing up chunks of greenbelt land for housing and business parks.

Campaigners accept some of the greenbelt is bound to disappear but are concerned the review could pave the way for developers to destroy green fields. John Ruane, chairman of the Greenbelt Protection Society, said: "We will be watching very carefully. We hope this will be a sensible review. So long as it's not an excuse to take away the greenbelt, I don't mind little bits of land being removed.

"We don't want the review used to open up swathes of greenbelt to developers because that's not on. We don't want Gloucester merging into Cheltenham ."

Cheltenham Borough Council, which is carrying out the review, is fighting the regional assembly's plans for thousands of homes. Gloucestershire County Council joined the battle this week by insisting there should be no development on greenbelt land before 2026.

But councillors say that without a greenbelt review, they will not be able to protect the land and will have no argument against the SWRA.

Coun John Morris (Lib Dem, Springbank) said: "This isn't about housing development. The council needs the review so it can adopt a clear plan for the future of the greenbelt.

"If the council has a plan, only then can it take a clear stance against developers.

"We'll be asking whether the areas allocated as greenbelt are correct. Do we need to extend in one area and reduce in another?"

Coun Morris could not say which areas would be most likely to change. Some greenbelt land around the town has come under pressure from developers and government inspectors.

Last year inspectors said the county council should close the gap between Cheltenham and Gloucester and the area between Cheltenham and Bishop's Cleeve rather than spread west of Quedgeley and east of Cheltenham.

The greenbelt's original purpose was to prevent the merger of Cheltenham and Gloucester and stop urban sprawl. Within its current boundaries are the airport and the racecourse.

Most of the land lies within Tewkesbury borough. The council is expected to take part in the review.

Coun Morris said: "It's very important that both Cheltenham and Tewkesbury work together."

But Pat Richards, head of local planning and regeneration for Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: "There is a difference of opinion between us. That's why we can't guarantee that we will be able to reach an agreement at the end of the day."