POLITICAL leaders have united against plans to build new homes in an overflow car park intended for Cam and Dursley railway station.
The leaders of Stroud District Council’s political groups have come together to voice opposition to an appeal lodged by Wain Homes.
It comes as the developer launched an appeal in January against the district council’s decision to refuse planning permission for five homes in Signal Road, Cam.
The proposed site was originally earmarked for passengers using the station as part of a new overflow car park – but was never officially opened.
The council’s development control committee voted unanimously to refuse the plans in July 2024, arguing the loss of the car park would negatively impact the district.
The unopened site – supposed to have 42 spaces – was fenced off and used by construction workers as a storage yard.
Councillors Catherine Braun (Green), Terry Cook (Labour), Lindsey Green (Conservative), and Linda Cohen (Liberal Democrat) have now written a joint letter to the Planning Inspectorate.
In the letter, the leaders call on the Planning Inspectorate to reject the appeal and protect the car park for future residents in Cam and the wider district.
“The loss of this car park would exacerbate existing parking difficulties, and push more people to use the car, with impacts for congestion and air quality on local roads, and greater pressure on the strategic road network,” the letter reads.
“There is no evidence to suggest that the car park is surplus to requirements, since it has not yet been opened to the public.”