Frequently asked questions | Gloucestershire County Council

We know flooding is a concern in Coombe Hill. Any development will follow strict rules to make sure buildings are safe from flooding and we must prove this as part of the planning process.

Further detail following the engagement event: Some residents told us they are worried that flooding on the site - and the risk to surrounding areas - might be worse than expected. When we appoint a specialist to carry out the Flood Risk Assessment, we will make sure they are aware of these concerns and that this is fully reflected in the reports submitted with the planning application.

We know flooding is a concern in Coombe Hill. Any development will follow strict rules to make sure buildings are safe from flooding and we must prove this as part of the planning process.

Further detail following the engagement event: Some residents told us they are worried that flooding on the site - and the risk to surrounding areas - might be worse than expected. When we appoint a specialist to carry out the Flood Risk Assessment, we will make sure they are aware of these concerns and that this is fully reflected in the reports submitted with the planning application.

Local drainage and sewer systems will be fully assessed. If improvements are needed to support the new development, they will be included as part of the plans. We are aware that there are existing concerns from local residents with regard to drainage. Our drainage strategy will require us to carefully consider the speed that water discharges from the site. This will all be covered in the reports we will submit with the planning application.

Further detail following the engagement event: Many people at the event told us they are worried about existing sewer problems. Because of this, we are now prioritising a review of the existing drainage as one of several important studies. This information will form a key part of the reports we will submit with the planning application.

Local drainage and sewer systems will be fully assessed. If improvements are needed to support the new development, they will be included as part of the plans. We are aware that there are existing concerns from local residents with regard to drainage. Our drainage strategy will require us to carefully consider the speed that water discharges from the site. This will all be covered in the reports we will submit with the planning application.

Further detail following the engagement event: Many people at the event told us they are worried about existing sewer problems. Because of this, we are now prioritising a review of the existing drainage as one of several important studies. This information will form a key part of the reports we will submit with the planning application.

The council, with the help of specialist consultants, looked at other locations. However most
alternatives would require buying land and this would make the project too expensive. Using council-owned land keeps costs down. A number of additional factors specific to this site have also played a key role in its selection, including:

the site’s strategic location.
the potential for a small housing development, that can be used to potentially offset capital costs.

Further detail following the engagement event: Some people at the event asked if we could share the details of the other sites we looked at. We can’t release this information because it is commercially sensitive and some of the sites are not owned by the county council. When we submit the planning application, we will be expected to include an explanation of why this site was chosen and that information will be publicly available.

The council, with the help of specialist consultants, looked at other locations. However most
alternatives would require buying land and this would make the project too expensive. Using council-owned land keeps costs down. A number of additional factors specific to this site have also played a key role in its selection, including:

the site’s strategic location.
the potential for a small housing development, that can be used to potentially offset capital costs.

Further detail following the engagement event: Some people at the event asked if we could share the details of the other sites we looked at. We can’t release this information because it is commercially sensitive and some of the sites are not owned by the county council. When we submit the planning application, we will be expected to include an explanation of why this site was chosen and that information will be publicly available.

Putting the fire training facility, highways depot and care home together means they can share access roads, utilities and other infrastructure. This reduces overall cost and allows the council to deliver the facilities more efficiently.

This site has strong links to key roads and the M5 motorway, which will improve significantly with the works to Junction 10. As part of the planning application, highways officers will assess road capacity, safety and any improvements needed. If changes are required, they will be included in the proposals.

Further detail following the engagement event: Many residents asked whether the speed limit on the A4019 could be reduced and if any extra road safety measures could be added. We will look at these options as the project develops and any proposed changes will be included in the planning application.

This site has strong links to key roads and the M5 motorway, which will improve significantly with the works to Junction 10. As part of the planning application, highways officers will assess road capacity, safety and any improvements needed. If changes are required, they will be included in the proposals.

Further detail following the engagement event: Many residents asked whether the speed limit on the A4019 could be reduced and if any extra road safety measures could be added. We will look at these options as the project develops and any proposed changes will be included in the planning application.

We know from the engagement event that there have been accidents - including some very serious ones - on the A4019, and that residents are understandably worried. Because of this, we are giving priority to a detailed review of the options for accessing the site. This will help us understand the safety impacts of creating a new entrance onto the road.

The design will consider the types of vehicles using the site. If upgrades or alternative traffic controls are needed, they will be part of the scheme.

Lighting will be carefully designed to minimise glare and light pollution. We will follow best practice to protect the rural character and dark skies where possible.

Some hedgerow changes may be needed for safe access, but the aim is to keep as much existing vegetation as possible and to replace or improve it elsewhere on the site.

We understand new residents want to know how the plans might impact them. We will assess noise, traffic, lighting and views as part of the planning process and will work to minimise any negative effects.

The proposed development will sit alongside the already approved homes. We will consider how the two sites relate to each other in the planning process.

This project is funded by the county council and will be built on county council land. Because of this, the planning application will be submitted to Gloucestershire County Council rather than Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Tewkesbury Borough Council will still be asked for their views and can support or object to the plans. The approval process will follow the same steps and timescales as a normal planning application, with the same requirements and decision-making process.

This project is funded by the county council and will be built on county council land. Because of this, the planning application will be submitted to Gloucestershire County Council rather than Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Tewkesbury Borough Council will still be asked for their views and can support or object to the plans. The approval process will follow the same steps and timescales as a normal planning application, with the same requirements and decision-making process.

The building will be no taller than three storeys and it won’t include any training towers. Other fire stations already have towers for training, so this site doesn’t need one.

This facility isn’t essential to the project, but we will look into whether it is possible to include it. Costs and other factors may affect whether it can be delivered. We will share any updates on the project webpage.

Training will only take place during the day and some evenings, not every day. There will be no fire crews permanently based at the site.

Normal working hours are likely to be 7:30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. There may occasionally be emergency call outs outside these times if extra signs or materials are needed. The depot would only operate 24/7 during severe weather, such as heavy snow or major flooding.

People are living longer and often have more complex health needs. The new care homes are designed to support this, with the right space and equipment to safely provide care for people with long-term conditions.

Most of the empty places in care homes are for people who need basic residential care. The new care homes are being built to support people with more complex needs, such as those living with dementia or who need nursing care.

These homes will provide nursing and dementia care for older people, mainly those over 85. Our data shows that the number of people over 85 in the area is expected to grow by 84% by 2043.

The amount of money may need to contribute through Section 106 or CIL is not known at this stage. However, we know people have asked about this, and we will provide an update as the plans continue to develop.