The Development Control Committee of Stroud Council met on Tuesday 2 June 2026, with the primary focus being the outline planning application for a significant mixed-use development northwest of Stonehouse. The committee also discussed an enforcement case concerning unauthorised residential use of land in Amberley and reviewed the Development Management Service statistics for the first quarter of 2026.

Land Northwest of Stonehouse, Gloucestershire (S.23/1451/OUT)

The committee considered a major outline planning application for a mixed-use development comprising up to 635 residential dwellings and a primary school with sport and recreation facilities on land northwest of Stonehouse. The application was called in by the Head of Planning and had been the subject of an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Officers recommended refusal of the application for several reasons, including conflict with adopted Local Plan policies regarding development outside settlement limits, insufficient information on flood risk and the inability to demonstrate compliance with the Sequential Test, inadequate ecological information to protect habitats and species, failure to provide appropriate mitigation for impacts on Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and the absence of a Section 106 legal agreement to secure affordable housing and necessary community infrastructure.

Despite the officer's recommendation for refusal, the committee debated the proposal extensively. Councillors discussed the site's location, its allocation in the emerging Local Plan, and the council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, which engaged the presumption in favour of sustainable development. The provision of affordable housing, economic benefits, and public open space were noted as positive aspects. However, significant concerns were raised regarding flood risk, ecological impacts, and the lack of comprehensive mitigation strategies for SACs.

Ultimately, the committee voted to grant planning permission, delegating authority to officers to draft planning conditions, re-advertise the application as a departure from the Local Plan, negotiate the SAC agreement, and commission a schedule for the reuse of materials.

Land Adjacent to PROW MMH41, Littleworth, Amberley (EN23/0377)

The committee addressed an enforcement case concerning the unauthorised change of use from agricultural land to residential use, including the erection of several structures such as yurts and a composting toilet. Officers recommended enforcement action to cease the unauthorised residential use and remove the structures.

The landowner presented their case, highlighting an ongoing appeal against previous planning application refusals and expressing concerns about the impact of enforcement action on their family. Members discussed the expediency of taking enforcement action, the potential impact on the family, and the need to uphold the integrity of the planning system.

The committee resolved to serve an enforcement notice, with the service of the notice held in abeyance pending the outcome of the planning appeal.

Development Management Service Statistics - Q1 2026

The committee received a report detailing the Development Management Service statistics for the first quarter of 2026. The report covered planning applications received and determined, planning performance against targets, enforcement enquiries, and planning appeals. Councillors noted the statistics presented.

Section 106 Dashboard Report

A report on Section 106 (S106) obligations was presented for information. The report provided an overview of current activity relating to both financial and non-financial obligations, including new S106 obligations entered into, financial contributions held, and S106 funding spent during the reporting period. The report also detailed the status of various non-financial obligations. Councillors noted the report.