Lockley Homes submits planning application to rescue ‘bad neighbour’ site

Luxury homes developer Lockley Homes has submitted a planning application intended to put an end to controversy over an alleged illegal haulage business in a Gloucestershire village.

The so-called “bad neighbour” site lies in Alstone, nine miles north of Cheltenham, and Lockley Homes has submitted a planning application to Tewkesbury Borough Council for nine homes providing a range of two, three and four bedroomed properties.

Joint managing director Karl Lockley said they had had a very favourable feedback from local residents at two public consultations they held in Teddington & Alstone Village Hall in August.

“At the second meeting we gave a revised presentation, following feedback from the previous meeting where residents were able to give their initial views and concerns,” he said.

Lockley Homes, together with BHP Harwood Architects presented amended plans, visuals and concept schematics.

Mr Lockley added: “We were concerned to demonstrate to residents that their opinions and concerns had been listened to, and that Lockley Homes, prior to submission of a full planning application, is eager to work together with local residents to achieve a favourable development for the parish.

“What was made very clear to us by those who attended the public consultations is that the current use of the site is not acceptable, and we hope that both residents and the planning authority will recognise this is an infinitely better use of a ‘bad neighbour’ site.”

Lockley Homes are hopeful the application will be considered before Christmas and, if successful, work could commence early in the New Year with completion scheduled before the end of 2020.

Alstone is close to Cheltenham and sits between the towns of Winchcombe and Tewkesbury with access to the A46 linking to the Ashchurch interchange on Junction 9 of M5 and the national motorway network.

Mr Lockley said: “This is a site in a beautiful rural location with stunning views that has been blighted in recent years by the use to which it has been put.

“Perhaps the one thing that has united residents is their opposition to its continued use as a haulage and transport yard, operating without licence or permission.

“They have been extremely angry about huge articulated lorries operating at all hours and have also had concerns about animal transportation welfare issues, resulting in police involvement in what has been a very unsatisfactory situation for local residents.

“Lockley Homes, as an independent family-run developer, is the perfect partner to unlock site problems such as these and we have been very gratified by the welcoming response from the majority of local residents.

“The directors pride themselves on an exemplary quality of finish and attention to detail and as a premium house builder we aim to build exclusive developments that combine luxury living with the classic, timeless feel of a scheme that has matured within its surroundings.”

If plans are approved, Lockley Homes will build a range of two, three and four bedroom detached properties laid out in courtyard style, with Cotswold finishes and the attention to detail that is the hallmark of the company’s most recent developments in Worcestershire.

Prices are subject to confirmation post planning approval, but will range from £400,000 to £750,000.

Founded in 2010 by Tom and Karl Lockley, Lockley Homes is an independent house builder with a growing reputation for producing luxury accommodation, particularly for its bungalow developments which are bucking the industry trend for maximum units on every site.

Lockley Homes is currently developing Kingsbrooke, an exclusive development of just ten luxury homes in Colwall, Herefordshire, which includes four of its new “Sky Bungalow” concept. It has also started work on eight properties, including one of its trademark bungalows, at Marmalade Lane, Honeybourne, near Evesham.

Planning permission was recently given for Lockley Homes to construct eight 3 bedroom townhouses in Pope Iron Road, Worcester.

Pictured: The site as it is currently