A public inquiry opens in Tewkesbury tomorrow (October 31) over plans for homes in Ashchurch.

In December 2022, Robert Hitchins submitted application 22/01320/OUT to Tewkesbury Borough Council for land off Fiddington Lane. The plans are for a residential development of up to 120 homes on a piece of land which runs from Natton to Homedowns in Ashchurch.

The site comprises two pasture fields divided by Fiddington Lane, which would have a new access point created.

The proposed development includes associated works, including infrastructure, open space and landscaping.

Ashchurch Rural Parish Council objected to the plans on the grounds of traffic and highway issues.

It commissioned a report from Railton TPC Ltd to support its concerns that drivers from the development would turn Fiddington Lane into a rat-run.

Residents also objected and raised similar concerns about the impact on roads and the "cumulative impact" of development in the area.

The owners of a neighbouring property said: "We feel strongly that decisions that affect our health, wellbeing, quality of life and finances are being made about the local area with no regard for the small local community who chose this area in order to lead a quiet life."

In its application, Robert Hitchins said: "Given the acknowledged housing land supply shortfall and that the most important policies for determining the application are considered to be out-of-date, there is a need for additional sites to come forward in order to address the housing land supply shortfall.

"Given the context of a severe five-year housing land supply shortfall, it can be demonstrated by the supporting evidence to this application, how the development can be accommodated."

The public inquiry will start tomorrow and conclude on Thursday (November 2). It will be held at Tewkesbury Borough Council's offices, starting at 10am on the first day and at 9:30am on the second day, with the last day to be confirmed.