Panel backs contentious schemes

Several contentious housing schemes in Gloucestershire have been strongly supported by government advisers.

A panel reviewing draft housing targets for the region said the county needed 56,400 new homes by 2026 - 8,000 more than previously predicted.

The regional spatial strategy team backed controversial developments for Leckhampton and Shurdington and the Hunts Grove scheme near Gloucester.

It also recommended schemes at Longford and Uckington should be even bigger.

Developments opposed

These developments have attracted opposition by many local residents.

The panel also said the bulk of new homes should be built in Gloucester and Cheltenham.

But Cheltenham's Liberal Democrat MP Martin Horwood said: "You can have more housing around smaller villages because their shops and schools are closing because there aren't enough people.

"I'm afraid it's another strategy where the government hasn't listened to local people."

The panel also supported the idea of new rail stations at Gloucester Parkway and Quedgeley.

And it recommended a strong public transport link from Bishops Cleeve near Cheltenham to the proposed Hunts Grove development which is due to go to a planning inquiry later this month.

The local government secretary, Hazel Blears, will consider the report and publish her draft response for another round of public consultation in the spring.