AN internationally-renowned violinist and composer from Horsley has lent her talents to help protect a green field from development.

Diana Yukawa, who has played in many different venues all around the world but lives in the village, is supporting the pressure group Protect Horsley.

The musician is helping the group to stave off an attempt to build on Horsley Copse, an “unspoiled” piece of agricultural land near the centre of the tiny village which is owned by Horsley Court.

Developer Matthew Hudson has launched a planning application to slot two four-bedroom Cotswold Stone houses into the field, with grounds covering the whole 0.23 hectare area.

Stroud News and Journal:

There are also proposals for a small access road next to Horsley Court leading to Narrowcut Lane, and room for four cars.

But the plans have attracted fierce opposition from many Horsley residents, who argue the development lies outside the settlement boundary and would set a dangerous precedent in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

“I’ve lived in Horsley for just under a year and it hasn’t taken me long to fall in love with the place but also understand the community and the land that we have here,” said Diana, 30.

“We need to preserve this beautiful part of the country.”

She stars in a short video about the development and is shown playing her violin.

So far the application has received more than 100 written objections on the Stroud District Council website.

One of these worried householders is Sanjay Karia, whose home directly borders the land.

“It’s really clear that this is such an inappropriate site for any kind of development and we were really thrilled that Diana felt able to help us,” he said.

He is joined by a host of other residents keen to protect the land, including Kevin Nicholls.

“It’s outrageous to talk about building houses on this beautiful spot. This is the last thing the village needs,” he said. “It should not be allowed.”

The field is currently flanked by Horse chestnut and Ash trees and is a miniature wildlife reserve for birds, bats, newts and squirrels.

Polly Howell, who lives in Downend, added: “If approval was given, it could set a precedent for other green spaces to be built on in Horsley.

“We’re not just objecting for ourselves but we want to protect this green space and other green spaces in Horsley for future generations. Once we’ve lost it, it’s gone forever.”

Stroud News and Journal:

However, Mr Hudson the applicant, played down the fears.

"This is a very modest infill development of two houses,” he said.

“We trust Stroud District Council to make the appropriate decision."

Protest Horsley are hoping the film will help draw attention to their plight and persuade others to campaign against the development.

They are encouraging anyone who has concerns about the development to air their views on the planning consultation website by the end of the week.

Visit the Stroud District Council website and search planning reference S.16/0940/FUL to submit a comment by May 25th.

For further information visit www.protecthorsley.org

A Neighbourhood Plan which will dovetail with the Stroud District Local Plan is currently being developed.

Diana’s career has seen the release of five albums and her playing to as many as 100,000 people at the 2012 Dubai World Cup and a sold-out Hollywood Bowl.

Her unique style has led to collaboration with the Royal Philarmonic Orchestra and the English Chamber Orchestra as well as popular musicians such as Jeff Beck and Paul Oakenfold.

She has released her new album Spaces Between Shadows. See www.dianayukawa.com for more information.

Stroud News and Journal:

Photographs by Simon Pizzey