Following unanimous agreement at Cheltenham Borough Council’s (CBC) Planning Committee on Thursday 18 November 2021, planning was granted for Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH) to deliver 24 new homes on the site at 320 Swindon Road.
This £5m development forms part of the £180m investment in quality homes and thriving communities being delivered by CBH in partnership with CBC across Cheltenham. Together, CBC and CBH have a shared aim to deliver safe and secure, high-quality homes to build, strong, healthy, and inclusive communities.
To support Cheltenham Borough Council’s response to the climate emergency, the new homes are being designed to exceed current building regulations. Solar panels, green roofs and low carbon construction have been factored in to provide homes with a more natural living environment and a high environmental performance.
The new homes at Swindon Road will be developed on a currently unused brownfield site to regenerate and bring life to the existing neighbourhood, along with boosting the local economic recovery.
Outside space has also been put aside for trees and greenery, making room available for hedgehog highways, bat, bee, and bird boxes to allow wildlife to flourish too.
Councillor Max Wilkinson, cabinet member for Climate Emergency, said: “The news of our first carbon neutral council homes is a really positive moment in the Cheltenham Zero project and I’d like to thank everybody involved in this innovative scheme, particularly the hardworking team at Cheltenham Borough Homes.
“We have declared a climate emergency, so it is important we set a high standard to show other house builders what Cheltenham people are demanding from new developments.
“Our £180million investment in housing is a big project for the Borough and I’m delighted these much-needed new homes can be built in a way that looks after the planet and nature too.”
Councillor Mike Collins, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cheltenham Borough Council added: “It’s great news for the people of Cheltenham that this development has now got the green light.
The current plans will really help breathe life back into this unused area for both people and nature.”
Alison Salter, CBH head of development, said; “This is fantastic news and we’re delighted our plans to revive this part of the neighbourhood have been approved. We’re passionate about creating communities and providing spaces for them to thrive. These new homes are designed to have a positive impact on the environment to bring residents together and boost biodiversity within the area; helping us to support Cheltenham Borough Council’s commitment to be a net zero carbon council and borough by 2030.”
The next steps include clearing the site ready for construction works to begin, estimated to commence on site in Summer 2022. This follows on from the completion of twenty-seven affordable homes at Radford Court, three properties at Cordwainers Road and eight properties at Ingleborough Mews.'.
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Notes for editors
Cheltenham Borough Homes:
- CBH has at its heart a tradition of putting people first, treating them well, and making a positive difference to their lives, by providing safe and secure homes, creating strong and supportive neighbourhoods, and inspiring people to go beyond what is expected and deliver what can be imagined.
- CBH is responsible for the management and maintenance of Cheltenham Borough Council's (CBC) housing stock and housing and homeless service.
- We want to make Cheltenham an even better place to live by supporting strong, vibrant communities, providing quality homes and inspiring people.
For further information visit: www.cbh.org
Contact the press office on communications@cheltenham.gov.uk | 0800 408 0000