South Gloucestershire Council Rejects 50-Home Marshfield Development

The South Gloucestershire Council spatial planning committee refused planning permission on July 30, 2026, for a proposed 50-home development in the village of Marshfield. The project, submitted by developer Gleeson Land, included a commitment that 50 percent of the residences would be affordable housing.

Councillors rejected the proposal based on the village's remote location between Bristol and Chippenham. Local officials argued that the site fails to meet sustainability policies because residents would be forced to rely on private cars for employment and essential services. Parish councillors further cautioned that the development would increase traffic and pollution, creating safety risks near Marshfield Primary School.

Gleeson Land contended that the location is sustainable and would provide significant public benefits, including new open spaces and contributions to local education and sporting facilities. Despite these arguments, the council maintained that the geographic isolation of the community makes the development unviable. Gleeson Land retains the option to appeal the decision through the government's Planning Inspectorate.