A LANDOWNER has been given the go ahead to build 11 homes beside an award-winning modern village hall, after being refused a similar scheme nearly two years ago.

The Hartpury Village Hall committee raised concerns about the new proposal in the historic village, including possible waterlogging on its play area, noise and the erosive effect of planting large trees next to a protective earth bund and hedge.

Neil Parslow was refused permission at the start of 2020 by Forest Council planners to build on farmland off Over Old Road, close to the primary school and Grade II-listed Methodist chapel.

But this time the amended scheme was approved with conditions, including the erection of a noise reduction barrier and installation of a sustainable drainage system.

The village hall committee previously told planners the housing could block off its rural views and affect its marketability as a local community venue.

The landowner reapplied at the end of last year, saying consultations had helped resolve problems with the likes of the planning department, highways and the local parish council, while the development would include four affordable homes.

A report said: "Extensive pre-consultation has taken place with numerous parties prior to submitting this planning application.

"Where practicable all recommendations and feedback have been incorporated into the proposals. We trust that officers will acknowledge this and we look forward to a positive outcome to this application."

It adds: "Following a walk around the area and after a subsequent meeting with the parish council, it was concluded that the design of the new dwellings should follow the style of the most recently completed development in School Close, to the north-west of the siteâ¦

"The proximity of the village hall will have to be carefully considered, the orientation and proximity of new dwellings to the hall will have to carefully considered," it says.

In 2014, the Campaign to Protect Rural England made an award to the committee for ’building a new village hall in keeping with its surroundings and with good sustainability credentials’.

Meanwhile, a separate plan seeking ’prior approval’ for nine new homes on the site of an overgrown paddock off the village’s Danford Lane has been withdrawn after opposition.

Hartpury Parish Council told planners: "We vehemently object to the planning application as this would be in direct conflict with the area’s status as an ’Important Open Area’."

A neighbour said wildlife and flowers could be harmed, while Natural England also opposed the bid because it would impact the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Site Special Area of Conservation,

Pollution, parking and flooding concerns were also raised.

The application by Mr and Mrs Freeman of Bakers Lane, Hartpury, was withdrawn after planners told them a preliminary ecological appraisal would be required with any application, along with additional survey work.