The Cheltenham Civic Society has raised significant concerns regarding the replacement of marquees outside the No 131 Hotel, owned by Julian Dunkerton, on the Promenade. The society alleges that the first of two new pergolas currently being erected differs markedly from the approved plans.
In a recent statement, the Civic Society expressed their serious apprehension about the permanent structures taking shape outside 131 Promenade. They reported having scrutinised the construction against the approved drawings and identified multiple substantial discrepancies.
Additionally, the society claimed that work on the initial pergola commenced at least four weeks before the conditions attached to the planning permission had been formally discharged. If these claims are accurate, they could represent serious breaches of the planning permission and listed building consent, raising broader concerns about compliance with planning regulations.
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While recognising that permission for a permanent structure has been granted, the Civic Society stressed that such approval does not entitle the developer to deviate from the agreed plans, no matter how minor those changes may seem. They emphasised the importance of adhering strictly to approved drawings and conditions to maintain the integrity of the planning system, particularly in areas with exceptional heritage value.
Cheltenham Borough Council, which granted approval for the pergolas last year, confirmed it is reviewing the ongoing work to ensure compliance. The council highlighted its statutory responsibility not only to determine planning applications but also to monitor adherence to approved plans and conditions, utilising various measures from dialogue to formal enforcement where necessary.
In a statement, the council acknowledged awareness of concerns related to the works at 131 The Promenade, following approval of a planning application for a metal-framed pergola stretching across 125 to 133 The Promenade. They confirmed that a review of the construction to date is underway and that they will continue to engage closely with the applicant throughout this process.
Previously, Mr Dunkerton, who is also the CEO of Superdry, faced criticism for leaving worn marquees outside No 131 despite orders from the council to remove them. These marquees were described by the Civic Society in 2022 as “tatty tents” that detracted from the sightlines of three Grade II* listed buildings.
After prolonged discussions, Mr Dunkerton secured approval in February 2025 for an alternative outdoor sheltered dining area in the form of metal-framed pergolas. Construction on the first pergola is now underway at the northern end of the Promenade, opposite the Queens Hotel. Similar to the marquees, it is white but features a retractable fabric roof.
No 131 Hotel has not addressed the Civic Society’s concerns directly but has indicated that it will continue with the project. A hospital spokesperson stated that the roof fabric is a light grey/white and retractable, allowing for open-air use on sunny days. The details of the sides of the structure are still to be finalised, although any side panels will also be removable.
The hotel aims to complete the entire project by the end of October, with the left side of the pergola expected to be finished and furnished by 23 August. Work on the second pergola, which will cover the Terrace restaurant, is scheduled to begin on 2 September.