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Stinchcombe Parish Council

Council-wide Plans and Projects

Taits Hill Road Planning Appeal – Parish Council Updates

Stinchcombe Parish Council is providing this page to keep residents informed on the ongoing planning appeal relating to the proposed development of 73 homes at Taits Hill Road. This page will be updated as the appeal progresses. UPDATED 17th July 2026 - PLANNING APPEAL DISMISSED

Taits Hill Road – Planning Appeal Dismissed

Stinchcombe Parish Council is delighted to share the news that the Planning Inspector has dismissed the appeal against Stroud District Council’s refusal of planning permission for up to 73 homes on land north of Taits Hill Road.

This is a significant outcome for our community and follows the hard work by local residents, community groups, parish and district councillors, and officers who have dedicated countless hours to researching the proposals, preparing evidence, attending meetings and speaking passionately at the Public Inquiry.

A huge thank you

The Parish Council would like to extend its sincere thanks to everyone who played a part in achieving this result.

In particular, we would like to recognise:

  • Residents who submitted comments and attended consultation events.
  • Members of the Taits Hill Road Action Group and Cam Community Action Group.
  • Stinchcombe Parish Council representatives who prepared and presented evidence.
  • Cam Parish Council, Stroud District Council and all those who worked together to present a robust planning case.
  • Everyone who attended or supported the Public Inquiry.

This outcome demonstrates the value of communities working together to ensure that development proposals are carefully scrutinised and assessed against planning policy.

Why was the appeal dismissed?

After considering all of the evidence presented during the Inquiry, the Inspector concluded that the proposal would result in unacceptable harm, including:

  • Harm to the character and appearance of the area.
  • Harm to the setting of the Cotswolds National Landscape through its impact on important views and tranquillity.
  • Conflict with key policies within the Stroud District Local Plan relating to landscape and design.

Although the Inspector acknowledged the district’s pressing need for new housing and the benefits the development could have provided, they concluded that these benefits were significantly outweighed by the harm the development would cause. As a result, the appeal was dismissed.

Looking ahead

We know this application has been of great interest to many residents over several years. While planning matters can never be considered permanently closed, this decision represents an important milestone and reflects the strength of the planning evidence presented.

Thank you once again to everyone who gave their time, expertise and support throughout this process. Your commitment to protecting the character and landscape of our parish has been truly appreciated.

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Appeal Overview

The appeal follows Stroud District Council’s refusal of the application for 73 homes at Taits Hill Road.

The Planning Inspectorate is now considering the appeal through a formal hearing process.

Hearing Update – April 2026

The Appeal hearing started on Wednesday 22nd with a good number of residents attending despite it being a working day. Thank you to all of those who turned up.
The Parish Council is part of a collaboration to oppose the development which consists of Stinchcombe and Cam Parish Councils, the Taits Hill Road Action Group, coordinated by Russell Legg, and the Cam Community Action Group, all of whom made submissions to the Appeal during the morning.
The Parish Council’s submission is available below and we are indebted to Dr Stephanie Wray, who recently moved into the Village, for sharing her expansive expertise, knowledge and passion in constructing and delivering the PC’s presentation to the appeal.
The afternoon of 22nd was spent on a site visit to Taits Hill and surrounding area for the benefit of the Inspector. The appeal will resume today, Thursday, for the remainder of the week. You are welcome to attend the Appeal any time between 10am-5pm at the Council Offices in Ebley Mill.  There are three further days scheduled for the Inquiry on 6-8 May if needed, however, some of these sessions may not be open to the public.
All appeal documentation can be found at ‘Appeals Casework Portal’

Parish Council Submission

You can view the Parish Council’s submission here:

SPC Appeal Statement Taits Hill Road April 2026

Attending the Appeal

Residents are welcome to attend the hearing:

Location: Ebley Mill, Stroud District Council Offices
Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Further sessions are scheduled for:

6 May 2026
7 May 2026
8 May 2026

Please note that some sessions may not be open to the public.

Full Appeal Documentation

All official documents relating to the appeal can be accessed via the Planning Inspectorate:

https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/

Future Updates

This page will be updated as further information becomes available

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