Housing development proposed to transform an ‘eyesore’ site

A property organisation is awaiting the greenlight to build over 60 properties on a former factory site in Gloucestershire which has been called a ‘contaminated eyesore’.  

Whitecroft Properties Limited hopes to build 66 homes on a factory site off New Road in Whitecroft, Gloucestershire. A decision on the planning application was due in April but was deferred over queries regarding highways.

However, Forest of Dean District Council has recommended approval for the redevelopment.

Jenny Henderson, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the brownfield site is currently occupied by large rundown industrial buildings. ‘They have been largely vacant for a number of years when Whitecroft Essentials relocated to Vantage Point, another business part under the ownership of the applicant,’ she said.

In addition, Ms Henderson said: ‘The buildings are not fit for purpose for modern businesses and the site as a whole is an eyesore detracting from the local area.’

As well as welcoming the officer’s recommendation to approve the plans, she also said they have the potential to provide public open space, a play area, and footpaths.

Following this, Cllr Richard Boyles, former Forest of Dean Police Inspector raised concerns that the site had some ‘very nasty chemicals’ that were a problem when they were called there a number of years ago.

Cllr Boyles said: ‘I would say there are issues there with that site with regard to ground contamination. I really want this authority to be very careful about how it makes that site clear for families to live on it.’

Since the tragic case of Awaab Ishak and more local authorities across the UK making the pledge to ensure new homes are sustainable by being build with more environmentally friendly materials, it seems hypocritical to allow for new homes to be constructed on a site that once contained harmful substances.

Similarly, other concerns have also been raised, such as councillors stating that further developing the industrial sites for housing would make matters worse for people commuting to work.

Although, at the council meeting where both Jenny and Richard raised their arguments for and against the new development, the majority voted in favour of granting delegated approval subject to a road safety audit and other checks being completed.