Concerns over treehouse plans

Fears over a treehouse holiday let near Cooper’s Hill have been raised by neighbours.

Louise Partridge wants permission from Tewkesbury Borough Council to change the use of land at Woodside in Painswick Road, Brockworth to that of holiday let accommodation.

The treehouse would have a two person hot tub, dining table and chairs, wall-mounted TV, Kitchenette with fridge, sink, hob, oven and storage.

It would also have a double bed in bay window, wardrobe storage, shower room, plant room with separate access and external decking areas.

But several residents along with Brockworth Parish Council have objected to the proposals as some fear it could set a precedent for further development on Cooper’s Hill.

“Firstly, while a nice concept, we don’t believe the unspoilt woodland lining Green Street should be developed. The house is being built in woodland which as locals we enjoy when regularly walking up and down this lane,” one objector said.

“We are concerned that this could set a precedent for further development of the woodland on Cooper’s Hill. We would respectfully suggest that area around the existing buildings near the A38 would be a more appropriate site.”

Other objectors have raised concerns over the the steep and narrow access lane to the site. They say vehicles regularly become stuck simply driving up the hill.

And Brockworth Parish Council says the entrance comes off a “dangerous” single-track lane. They also have concerns over the development’s impact on a “subsiding hill” in the Cotswold area of outstanding natural beauty.

Consultants working on the scheme say the building would provide a “fantastic secluded holiday let”. The main deck would wrap around the building and cantilever out over the existing slope, maximising the views through the woodland beyond, according to the plans.

They say the light touch structure and carefully chosen external finishes create a seamless link between the landscape and the accommodation.

“The treehouse will be sensitively located to offer both convenient access to the main house, as well as a private, exclusive space to retreat to, all carefully positioned to ensure it has minimal visual and environmental impact,” the design and access statement reads,

“The site is well contained from the wider landscape and has good access to the existing building and the surrounding area. The treehouse will have little or no effect on the surrounding flora or fauna as the main structure is free standing and its construction will involve no additional landscaping.”

Borough planners are expected to consider the scheme by December 22, 2022.

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

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