Plans for a major new David Lloyd health, fitness, and rackets club near Cheltenham have been approved by Tewkesbury Borough Councillors despite concerns over potential odours from a nearby landfill site. The ambitious £24 million development will occupy a 6.2-acre site on Stoke Road in Bishop’s Cleeve and promises to become a significant leisure destination.
The proposed facility includes a gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, three weather-protected tennis courts, six padel courts with canopies, a multi-use court, a two-court sports hall, and a battle box training area. Additional amenities feature internal and external spa facilities, a child activity zone, a lounge, and a food and drink terrace. The development is designed to accommodate 315 parking spaces, including 13 designated disabled bays with direct access to the main entrance.
Concerns were raised prior to the decision by Grundon, operator of the nearby Wingmoor Farm East landfill site. They highlighted the risk that odours and emissions—stemming from waste transfer, landfilling activities, landfill gas, and leachate—could affect the leisure centre’s outdoor spaces. Grundon urged a thorough assessment of cumulative odour effects from existing waste operations given the close proximity, separated only by Stoke Road.
READ MORE: Power Couple Jade Holland Cooper and Julian Dunkerton Launch Exciting New Venture Outside 131 The Prom
READ MORE: Persistent Cannabis Odor Disrupts Lives in Four Streets of Stonehouse
In response, the developer commissioned an odour assessment which concluded that emissions from the landfill and associated facilities, including the Severn Trent Green Power anaerobic digester, are unlikely to significantly impact future users. The study determined that odour should not restrict planning consent.
Ian Anderson, representing the developer, assured the planning committee that no odour issues would hinder the club’s operation. He emphasized collaboration with planners to create a sustainable and community-focused development. The project is expected to generate 80 to 100 jobs, including roles in construction and supply chains, delivering substantial economic benefits to the area.
Local support was voiced by David Lewis of Bishop’s Cleeve Parish Council, who called the proposal an “excellent job creation scheme” and a valuable sports facility for young people. Councillor Richard Stanley echoed the positive sentiment, highlighting resident preference for the leisure centre over alternative warehouse proposals and predicting Bishop’s Cleeve will become a “leisure powerhouse.”
While some concerns were raised about the use of gas heating, others underscored the importance of the facility for a rapidly growing community. Councillors ultimately voted in favour of granting delegated permission on July 15, marking a key milestone for the project’s development.