Miller Homes is planning to build up to 130-135 homes near King Charles III's Highgrove House in Tetbury, according to multiple reports. The proposed development has drawn sharp criticism from local residents and conservation groups, who argue it poses a security risk to the monarch and threatens ecologically valuable land. The site, located close to the King's private residence, has become a flashpoint in debates over housing development in the Cotswolds. The development could pose a serious security risk to the King because it would bring people within yards of the existing close protection zone, according to Chris Giles, secretary of the Longfurlong Greenfields Association (LGA).
The Longfurlong Greenfields Association (LGA) has submitted an application to Cotswold District Council to establish a community nature area on the same site, according to major media reports. Christopher Giles, secretary of the LGA, described the land as 'unspoiled permanent pasture, rich in grassland species, including priority habitat for conservation within the objectives and guidance of the Cotswold National Landscape.' He added that the area includes a shelter belt of woodland, ponds, a small stream and an area of low-lying wetland, and is already accessible via public footpaths, including the Monarch's Way, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The LGA's proposal aims to enhance biodiversity while providing public access, with plans for accessible entrances, mown paths, and benches. The site is comprised of unspoiled permanent pasture, rich in grassland species, including priority habitat for conservation, according to the LGA.
The site is comprised of unspoiled permanent pasture, rich in grassland species, including priority habitat for conservation within the objectives and guidance of the Cotswold National Landscape.
Residents have raised concerns about infrastructure strain and rapid growth in Tetbury. Peter Martin, chairman of the LGA, told the Daily Express that Tetbury has had over a thousand new homes in the last six years, an increase of nearly 40%. He also highlighted severe parking problems and unacceptably long waiting times to see a doctor, according to the same report. According to BBC News, Martin described the Miller Homes proposal as 'an entirely cynical move.' Laura Hall-Wilson, a Conservative Cotswold District councillor for Tetbury with Upton, told BBC News that the development is a 'bolt on' style development not well positioned in the town, where other areas have been identified through the local plan. Tetbury residents already face severe parking problems and unacceptably long waiting times to see a doctor, according to reports.
The proposed development includes 56 affordable homes and a children's play area, according to major media reports. However, there is a discrepancy in the total number of homes: some sources say up to 130, while others say 135. This may reflect different stages of planning or rounding, but it affects the scale of the development. Miller Homes has stated that proposals for new, sustainable housing in this part of Gloucestershire have already included positive communication with local councillors, according to a company spokesperson.
It also includes a shelter belt of woodland, ponds, a small stream and an area of low-lying wetland. The area is already accessible via public footpaths, including the Monarch's Way, and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
The King's Foundation is hiring additional staff at Highgrove Gardens amid the dispute, according to major media reports. The Duchy of Cornwall acquired the Highgrove estate in 1980, and the King has lived there since before his accession. The development could pose a serious security risk to the King because it would bring people within yards of the existing close protection zone, according to Chris Giles, LGA secretary.
Several questions remain unanswered. It is unclear whether the King or the Duchy of Cornwall has officially commented on the development. The current status of the planning application by Miller Homes has not been confirmed, nor has the outcome of the LGA's community nature area application. Additionally, how security concerns will be addressed if the development proceeds, and the exact size of the close protection zone around Highgrove, remain unknown.
The community nature area would be sensitively managed with the objective of enhancing biodiversity and landscape, balanced against providing public access, so that residents and visitors can derive maximum health and wellbeing benefits.
This would be achieved by providing accessible entrances, a network of mown paths, and benches for people to sit and enjoy this inspiring natural environment.
This 'bolt on' style development is not well positioned in the town where other areas have been identified through the local plan.