Plans to build a single-storey home behind a semi-detached property at 151 Prestbury Road in Cheltenham have been approved by Cheltenham Borough Council, despite objections that the development is “being squeezed into a garden.”
Applicant Alex Bumpstead received permission to construct the new dwelling after revising an earlier proposal for a two-storey home, which had previously been rejected by the council. The planning committee considered the revised scheme during their meeting on June 19. Planning officers recommended approval, noting that the single-storey design complemented the area and that landscaping along the boundary would help mitigate visual impact.
Speaking on behalf of objectors, Lucy Smith raised concerns about the process and environmental effects. She criticized the timing of the officer’s report, saying it left residents with less than five working days to review it amid other commitments. Smith also highlighted the loss of wildlife habitat and described the development as an “overbearing overdevelopment.” She noted that the garden, formerly private, had seen trees removed and excavation work conducted to prepare for construction.
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Smith warned that approving the plan could set a precedent, enabling similar garden areas to be developed without adequate consideration of character or infrastructure impact. She urged the committee to reject the proposal, arguing it conflicted with planning policies.
In response, Mr. Bumpstead emphasized that other garden developments exist nearby and that his proposal complies with relevant planning policies. He explained that the current scheme was developed in close consultation with planning officers following the refusal of the first design. Changes included lowering the height of the building to a single storey and repositioning it further from neighboring boundaries. He added that the design was updated to reflect the style of surrounding homes and that the new structure would cover just over 20 percent of the plot.
During the deliberations, Councillor Simon Wheeler acknowledged potential impacts on neighbors but noted that the low height should preserve sight lines. He recommended protecting the existing silver birch trees on site. Councillor Adrian Bamford described the outcome as a reasonable compromise, while Councillor Barbara Clark expressed concerns about overdevelopment and tree loss, ultimately casting the sole vote against the scheme.
The planning committee approved the scheme with eight votes in favor, two abstentions, and one against, allowing Mr. Bumpstead to proceed with his garden home project.