Plans Approved for Contemporary Self-Build Home in Gretton

Plans for a new self-build home in the Cotswold village of Gretton have received official approval from the Tewkesbury Borough Council’s planning committee. The application, submitted by Martin Brookes and his wife, was discussed during a meeting held on August 19, 2023, and involves the development of a property at Myrtle Cottage located on Gretton Road.

The proposed development encompasses a half-hectare site situated south of Myrtle Cottage, which has a steep incline toward Cups Hill. The design includes three double bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, located on the first floor. The ground floor features a spacious layout combining a kitchen, dining area, and living room, along with a double garage, office, utility room, and bathroom.

Development Proposal Details

During the meeting, Gary Dickens, the agent for the project, urged councillors to approve the plans, emphasizing that the principle of development had already been established. He stated, “Working alongside the appointed architect, the applicants felt it was necessary to take a bespoke design approach due to the site’s characteristics and its sensitive planning constraints.”

The proposal aims to replace existing structures with a contemporary dwelling tailored to meet the current and future needs of the Brookes family. Dickens noted that while there were objections from neighboring properties, the planning officer’s report indicated that the development would not significantly impact the amenity of those residents. The nearest neighboring property is approximately 45 meters away, exceeding the industry standard of 21 meters for window-to-window distance, which is used to assess potential overlooking issues.

Concerns and Considerations

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the access to the property, which is partially owned by the applicants. Councillor Ian Yates expressed his worries about the steep and narrow access road, but planning officers confirmed that the gradient is manageable at one in nine and that the highways authority had no objections. The owners provided legal documentation proving their access rights to the road.

Councillor Jim Mason also voiced concerns about surface water management, highlighting that Gretton has experienced issues with flooding. He emphasized the importance of implementing a robust surface water drainage system due to the hillside location of the proposed development. Mason stated, “Gretton really suffers badly from surface water flooding, especially on the main road.”

After thorough discussions, councillors voted unanimously in favor of the proposal, marking a significant step forward for the Brookes family’s self-build project in this picturesque Cotswold village. This development not only aims to meet their personal needs but also incorporates renewable technology, demonstrating an effort to enhance sustainability in the area.