Shaping the future Plan for 1,100 homes by GCHQ moves foward
THE construction of 1,100 new homes which would sit next to the proposed cyber park on the edge of Cheltenham has moved forward.
Cheltenham Borough Council unanimously approved a planning document which will act as guidance for when developers propose new housing estates on green fields by GCHQ.
The report, called a supplementary planning document, contains feedback from local residents and businesses whose responses will shape how the new developments will fit the Cheltenham community.
The land which the new homes and cyber park is proposed on, next door to GCHQ, is also in the administrative area of Tewkesbury Borough Council so the local authority will also approve the same document later this month.
Cheltenham’s council seperately approved a housing blueprint on Monday, July 20, called The Cheltenham Plan, which makes policy changes such as ensuring North Place and Portland Street become available for housing.
It was last reported in March 2019 that Portland Street car park could be turned into 140 new homes.
Approval of The Cheltenham Plan also means now local green spaces in areas including St Mark’s, Leckhampton and Benhall will be protected.
The SPD, approved by borough councillors in Monday afternoon’s full council, covers the land proposed as a ‘Garden Community’ with 1,100 new homes and a primary school.
The new development would accompany the cyber park which would see two million square feet of office space built and create new jobs on the western edge of the town, by Fiddler’s Green, Springbank and Hester’s Way.
Tewkesbury Borough Council will consider the SPD on Tuesday, July 28.
According to a council report, residents at engagement sessions nearest to the site raised concerns over “boundaries, loss of green space space and views, and regarding trees and hedgerows”.
It said: “This report marks the final stage of the SPD process.
“If approved by both Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Councils the SPD will become a material consideration to the determination of future planning applications.
Following a branding exercise undertaken by the Cyber Central Team, the SPD is now titled Golden Valley Development Supplementary Planning Document: A Garden Community and Home of Cyber Central UK.”
The report continued: The community drop in events provided the opportunity for local residents to give their thoughts and ideas about the area, and the key opportunities as the masterplan was developed.
“A large map of the area was tabled alongside information boards introducing the project and key diagrams showing our initial ideas. 210 people attended across the four events.
“Whilst many wider stakeholders and local groups recognise the benefits of Cyber Central and the opportunities it brings for existing and new residents, residents at engagement sessions nearest to the site raised localised issues relating to boundaries, loss of green space and views, and regarding trees and hedgerows.”