Gospel Hall and housing plans refused

Proposals to demolish buildings at the old Rentokil site in Frampton Cotterell and replace it with a Gospel Hall and 3 detached houses have been refused by the DC (West) planning committee.

There were lots of residents from around the site present to speak in the debate, both for and against. Cllr Pat Hockey proposed the refusal, on the grounds that approving it would involve losing critical local employment opportunities within the village. Both the South Glos Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework seek to protect employment uses in rural areas. If it turns out impossible to keep a site in employment use then some housing should be allowed with the employment use and then, as a last resort, if this fails, just housing. Cllr Dave Hockey seconded the motion and it was passed with no opposition and just two abstentions.