Correspondence

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Copy of letter sent 3rd November 2001 to Cotswold District Council

The Director of Planning
Directorate of Development & Heritage
Cotswold District Council,
Trinity Road,
Cirencester,
Gloucestershire, GL7 1PX

Dear Sir,

Proposed Development of Large Country House at Bagpath

I refer to a proposal to build a large country house at Bagpath, Tetbury. The design for the property is the subject of an RIBA competition details of which are available to the public both from the RIBA competitions office and via the internet at www.countryhouse.co.uk.

I understand that the proposer, David Cardale of Shipton Moyne, has not yet sought planning consent but that, as is normal, he has consulted your department before presenting his application.

The Structure Plan identifies Bagpath and the other hamlets which would be affected if this proposal were to go ahead, as being unsuitable for further development for a variety of reasons. In the case of Bagpath one reason is the 'tortuous' access.

I am confused, therefore, to learn that your department appears to have played some part in the selection of the site. The RIBA competition brief states "The preferred development plot has been chosen ........ in consultation with the Local Planning Authority .....".

From the developer's point of view the objective of the competition is not just to see who can produce a scheme which might satisfy the requirements of PPG7 para 3.21. The declared intention of the proposer is to build the property (subject to planning consent) and the time and energies of armies of architects has been engaged in pursuit of the commission for themselves.

I assume, therefore, that your department must have given the proposer a positive indication of the suitability of the site for his scheme. I would appreciate your confirming that this is the case or otherwise, and advising me of the basis of the considerations made in giving that indication particularly in view of the policies defined in the Structure Plan.

There is considerable local concern about the proposal, which, I understand has been communicated to your department by Kingscote Parish Council.

I also understand from David Cardale that, when they are announced, an exhibition of the plans of the three RIBA competition winners will be held in the foyer of the District Council Offices. Could you please confirm that this is the case?

Thankyou for your attention

I remain

yours faithfully      ..........

Reply dated 6th November 2001 from Cotswold District Council

Country House at Bagpath Gloucestershire

Thankyou for your letter dated 3rd November concerning the above.

I can assure you that the Local Planning Authority has not given any "positive indication of the suitability of the site for this scheme" as you assume.The proposal will be considered in the light of all prevailing national, strategies and local planning policies that are of relevance, including PPG7 paragraph 3.21.

Yours sincerely   ....  Principal Planner (SOUTH)

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