Rules could see houses built in Blunsdon despite objections

That might be because otherwise the council could face an expensive planning appeal - but councillors on the authority's planning committee will have to decide.

Developer Castlewood Commercial Properties has applied for outline permission to build an estate of 70 houses along with a community shop and cafe on land to the east of Sams Lane and south of Burytown Lane.

The scheme has been 'called in' for debate by the planning committee by Blunsdon Parish Council and borough ward councillor Steve Weisinger, both against the development - and officers at the council have recommended the committee gives the green light to the plan.

When asked, local residents have expressed their opposition- three times.

When a public consultation was held in March, 21 residents wrote objecting to the plan and a petition o 254 signatures objecting to it was collected.

Another consultation in June saw 25 letters in objection being sent to the developers.

A third consultation in October saw another nine letters against the plan.

The report to councillors says: "This site is within open countryside in a sensitive location given proximity to Blunsdon Conservation Area and the cemetery.

"The proposed development would provide market and affordable housing to meet the borough's housing requirement.

"It is not currently possible to demonstrate a supply of five years deliverable housing land - at present it it only able to show 2.7 years' supply."

Government planning law means if an authority cannot show a viable five year housing supply and turns down a housing development that can be a reason for the decision to be overturned on appeal.

The report adds: "Thirty per cent would be affordable , given the shortfall in supply of affordable housing this is considered a significant benefit."

The application will be considered by councillors at the committee meeting starting at 6pm on Tuesday November 13