Plans to construct a six-storey apartment building comprising 141 rental flats at Gloucester Docks have sparked significant backlash from locals. The application, recently submitted to Gloucester City Council by the Canal and River Trust alongside developer Bloc, proposes a mixture of one and two-bedroom units alongside the refurbishment of a historic former Great Western Railway warehouse. The warehouse would be transformed into a community hub featuring a gym, games area, parcel storage, and reception.
While the development aims to revitalize the ageing site on Llanthony Road, community members have voiced serious reservations. Marine surveyor Derek Torrington, familiar with the docks’ historic shipyard operations, described the plans as “a disgrace,” warning that the scheme risks eradicating one of the UK’s few remaining traditional vessel repair facilities. He stressed the importance of preserving the unique shipyard and expressed concerns that replacing the existing structures with residential apartments could jeopardize vital maritime skills and working space.
Other residents raised practical issues, particularly the absence of parking provisions. Tim Atherton noted the proposal’s focus on bike storage but questioned its feasibility without dedicated vehicle parking, pointing to potential difficulties in filling the apartments. While some acknowledged the derelict condition of existing buildings and saw potential benefits in refurbishment, worries about exacerbated traffic and congestion were widespread. Several anonymous locals echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that current parking shortages in the area could worsen with the influx of new residents.
READ MORE: ‘Bright and happy’ e-scooter rider will be ‘truly missed’
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson’s Great British Farm-Fest: A Unique Music Festival on the Farm
In contrast, Kai Reeves, managing director of neighboring Gloucester Brewery, voiced support for the scheme—provided that construction causes minimal disruption to local businesses. Reeves welcomed the potential increase in footfall and vibrancy to the Quayside and praised the design’s compatibility with existing structures. However, he also urged caution regarding parking challenges and stressed the necessity of protecting ongoing brewery operations amid an already challenging economic climate.
The council has invited public comments on the development until February 18, with a planning decision anticipated by April 29. Residents can inspect the detailed proposals under application number 25/01157/FUL on the Gloucester City Council planning portal.