The Planning Committee of Gloucestershire Council met on Thursday 29 January 2026 to discuss two significant planning applications. The committee refused permission for the continued use of land for aggregate recycling at Allstone Sand and Gravel Centre in Myers Road, Gloucester, citing inadequate information, noise, dust, landscape, and cumulative impact concerns. Conversely, the committee resolved to grant planning permission for the demolition of Jordan's Brook House and the construction of a GP surgery, along with outline permission for 10 new dwellings, on North Upton Lane, Gloucester.

Allstone Sand and Gravel Centre, Myers Road, Gloucester

The committee refused planning permission for the continued and permanent use of land for the crushing and screening of inert waste materials to produce secondary aggregates at the Allstone Sand and Gravel Centre. The decision was based on several key concerns, including a lack of sufficient and consistent information regarding operational throughput, vehicle movements, noise, dust, and landscape impacts. The committee also cited the inability to adequately assess the cumulative impact of the development and concerns about the enforceability of any conditions due to the retrospective nature of the application and a history of non-compliance.

Specific reasons for refusal included:

• Inadequate Information and Inability to Assess Impacts: Conflicting and outdated documentation prevented a full assessment of environmental and amenity impacts.
• Noise Impact on Amenity: The application failed to demonstrate that noise from the aggregate wash plant and crushing activities could be adequately mitigated to avoid unacceptable interference with nearby residential and commercial properties.
• Dust and Air Quality Impact on Amenity: The Dust Management Plan was outdated and did not reflect current site operations, failing to demonstrate that dust emissions could be controlled to prevent unacceptable impacts.
• Landscape and Visual Impact: The submitted townscape and visual appraisal was outdated and did not adequately assess the impact of the development as built, including the scale and prominence of the wash plant.
• Scale of Development, Cumulative Impact and Enforceability: Insufficient and conflicting information on throughput and operational parameters made it impossible to assess cumulative impacts or ensure the enforceability of controls.

During the discussion, objectors, including local resident Valerie Gannon and County Councillor Jeremy Hilton, highlighted significant concerns regarding noise, dust, traffic, and the general incompatibility of the operation with its urban surroundings. They pointed to increased dust and noise levels, damage to local roads, and a perceived lack of compliance with existing regulations. The applicant, Simon Ford, expressed a willingness to work with the council to address outstanding matters and requested a deferral to provide further technical assessments, but the committee ultimately supported the officer's recommendation for refusal.

Jordan's Brook House, North Upton Lane, Gloucester

The committee resolved to grant planning permission for the demolition of Jordan's Brook House and the construction of a new GP surgery, along with outline permission for 10 dwellings. The decision was made subject to a number of planning conditions and a delegation to the Assistant Director of Planning & Economic Development to issue the final decision notice after a statutory re-publicity period.

The GP surgery element of the proposal, a full planning application, was praised for addressing a significant local healthcare need, replacing an outdated facility with modern, purpose-built premises. The design was refined following feedback from the Gloucestershire Design Panel and the City Council, addressing concerns about access, legibility, and the building's appearance. Conditions were imposed to secure a robust Travel Plan, parking management strategy, enhanced pedestrian and cycle connectivity, and appropriate lighting and noise attenuation measures.

The outline residential element, proposing up to 10 dwellings, was considered plan-led, aligning with the site's allocation in the Gloucester City Plan. Matters such as detailed design, layout, landscaping, and specific housing standards were reserved for future approval through a Reserved Matters application, with conditions ensuring compliance with requirements for accessible housing, waste minimisation, and biodiversity net gain.

Key consultee responses were generally positive:

• Local Highways Authority: No objection, subject to conditions addressing parking management, Travel Plan, and pedestrian/cycle connectivity.
• Gloucester City Council: Supported the principle of development and the heritage position was resolved. Initial concerns about the GP surgery's design and pedestrian/cycle priority were addressed through revisions and conditions.
• Ecological Consultant: No objection, with conditions to secure mitigation, phased Biodiversity Gain Plan, and lighting controls.
• Gloucestershire Design Review Panel: While acknowledging the need for the surgery, they recommended improvements to connectivity, building appearance, and sustainability measures, many of which were addressed through revised plans and conditions.

Speakers in support, including patient Philip McLellan and County Councillor Ashley Bowkett, emphasised the critical need for the new GP surgery to serve the growing local population and improve healthcare access. They highlighted the benefits of enhanced facilities and accessibility, while also acknowledging the importance of managing traffic and parking impacts.

The committee unanimously agreed to approve the officer's recommendation, recognising the significant public benefit of the new healthcare facility and the plan-led residential development, with identified harms considered capable of mitigation through planning conditions.