The ecological objection was based on the potential for adverse effects on the integrity of the Severn Estuary SPA as a result of use of the local Coombe Hill Nature Reserve as “functionally linked land” to the SPA because of its use by curlews who formed part of the wildfowl assemblage for which the SPA was designated.  It was feared that too great use of the reserve by new residents of the development – and in particular dog walkers – would deter curlews from resorting to potential breeding habitat and therefore undermine its conservation objectives.  The education  objection was raised by the County Council because the developers maintained that education contributions were already covered by CIL and so no additional contributions were payable under section 106.  After nine days of evidence and argument, the Inspector’s decision is awaited.

Douglas Edwards QC represented the County Council as education authority and Meyric Lewis represented Tewkesbury Borough Council who maintained the ecological and other planning objections to the proposals.