Stroud District Council has rejected a regeneration plan for Sharpness Docks at the head of the Bristol Channel.
The plans – for 300 homes, up to 100 holiday lodges, a hotel, two new marinas and industrial sites – had been submitted by the Canal & River Trust.
The proposals covered 42 hectares of land adjacent to the commercial docks and also featured a hotel, public open space, landscaping, visitor parking and a new access road.
Concerns had been raised over the lack of affordable housing, the effect of the development on local residents and also from an environmental point of view.
“The Trust is disappointed that our application was refused despite a recommendation from the council’s planning team for it to be approved,” said a Canal & River Trust spokesperson.
“We work hard to look after the docks and surrounding area for the benefit of everyone who uses it and will continue to look at ways to bring about regeneration at Sharpness and make it a thriving, successful place to live, work and visit.”
The regeneration plan for Sharpness Docks was first initiated nearly a decade ago. The docks and working port are linked to Gloucester and other inland waterways via the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.
The decision comes just days after permission was granted to restore the ‘missing’ mile section of the Stroudwater Canal in Gloucestershire.
The decision means new locks, a canal basin for mooring boats, a café and car park will also be built.
It’s the final stage in a series of works to reconnect the canal in Stroud with the national waterways network.
Construction work on the project is due to start at the end of the year.
