The Planning Committee of Gloucestershire Council met on Thursday 19 March 2026 and unanimously approved the construction of a new 200-place special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school on the former St Benedict's School playing field in Cheltenham. The committee also refused planning permission for an aggregate recycling facility on Myers Road in Gloucester due to concerns over noise, dust, and traffic, and granted planning permission for a new GP surgery and housing development at Jordans Brook House in Gloucester.

New SEND School Approved for Cheltenham

The committee granted planning permission for a new 200-place SEND school on the former St Benedict's School playing field in Cheltenham. The decision was unanimous, with members highlighting the significant need for such a facility in the area. The proposal, which represents a departure from the site's allocation for housing in the Cheltenham Plan, was supported by strong national policy favouring the development of state-funded schools.

The new school will cater for up to 200 pupils aged 4-16 with complex learning difficulties. The design includes a two-storey building with 70 on-site staff and provision for 35 part-day staff. Access will be from Arle Road, with significant off-site highway works planned to create a school safety zone. The development incorporates a comprehensive Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) and aims for net-zero carbon in operation through air-source heat pumps and solar panels. Ecological surveys identified badger activity and slow-worm habitat, with a Biodiversity Net Gain of 14.48% proposed through habitat enhancement.

During the debate, speakers including Helen Bond from the Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum, Andrew Buckton, CEO of Enable Trust, and Gareth Vine from Gloucestershire County Council, emphasised the critical need for local specialist school places. County Councillor David Willingham also spoke in support, noting the benefits of the school over housing on the site. Concerns raised by members included the comparison of air source versus ground source heat pumps, the continuity of wildlife movement, and the potential for noise impacts from the nearby railway. The committee ultimately agreed that the substantial benefits of the school outweighed the conflict with the housing allocation and former playing-field status, subject to numerous planning conditions. The application will be referred to the Secretary of State due to its playing-field designation.

Aggregate Recycling Facility Refused in Gloucester

The committee unanimously refused planning permission for the continued and permanent use of land at Allstone Sand and Gravel Centre on Myers Road, Gloucester, for the crushing and screening of inert waste materials. The decision was based on the officer's recommendation, citing inadequate information and inability to assess impacts, noise and dust impacts on amenity, landscape and visual impact, and the scale of development, cumulative impact, and enforceability.

Objectors, including Valerie Gannon, highlighted over twenty years of operations that had become out of control and unmanageable, leading to increased dust and noise. Simon Ford, representing the applicant, acknowledged areas of uncertainty and expressed a willingness to work through a Planning Performance Agreement, but requested a deferral. District Councillor Anne Radley and County Councillor Jeremy Hilton also spoke against the application, citing the lack of clarity from the applicant, the impact on residential areas, and the site's suitability for housing development.

During the debate, members discussed the materiality of historical non-compliance, the role of the Environment Agency, and the potential for retrospective applications. The committee agreed that the business was good for recycling but in the wrong location, and the lack of a full risk management plan was unacceptable.

New GP Surgery and Housing Approved in Gloucester

The committee unanimously approved planning permission for the demolition of Jordans Brook House in Gloucester and the construction of a new GP surgery, along with outline permission for 10 dwelling houses. The development, located on North Upton Lane, will provide a much-needed larger and modern GP surgery for the Barnwood and Hucclecote communities.

Philip McLellan, a patient at Hucclecote Surgery, spoke in support, highlighting the inadequacy of the current facility and the benefits of the new surgery for patients and staff. County Councillor Ashley Bowkett also strongly supported the application, emphasising the long-overdue nature of the health infrastructure improvement for the east of Gloucester. Concerns raised by members included parking, road safety, and the design of the building. The case officer confirmed that Gloucestershire County Council, as the landowner and applicant, would comply with and monitor the numerous planning conditions attached to the permission. The decision was made under Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992, as the County Council was the developer.

County Council Development Compliance Update

Robin Drake, Planning Team Manager, presented an update report on the compliance performance of County Council developments. The report highlighted that while enforcement pressures remain high, significant improvements have been made since autumn 2025. A monthly liaison meeting between senior officers from Asset Management & Property Services and Planning Development Management has been established, with outcomes reported to the County Council's Property Board. This has led to the resolution of all outstanding internal compliance matters identified in 2025, with no live enforcement cases involving County Council developments as of March 2026. The committee noted the report.