Plans to build 58 new homes on the former playing field of Pittville School have received approval from Cheltenham Borough Council’s planning committee. The five-acre site off Albert Road, owned by Newland Homes, was granted permission during a committee meeting held on December 18.
The proposed development sparked significant community concern, with 30 formal objections and opposition from Prestbury Parish Council. The parish council raised issues including the lack of onsite community and recreational facilities, as well as road safety concerns. They highlighted that the only access via Broad Acre Road – a narrow residential street – could face increased congestion and safety risks due to the anticipated rise in traffic from new residents. Increased traffic on Broad Acre Road and New Barn Lane was also cited as a major concern.
At the meeting, Catherine Sheppard, planning manager for Newland Homes, explained that the site has been redundant since 2009 and previously had planning permission approved in 2021. The sale of the land has helped fund the construction of a new sports hall for Pittville School, reinforcing the scheme’s community benefits. She revealed that 40 percent of the new homes will be designated as affordable housing.
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The development will also include enhancements to local ecology and biodiversity, incorporating features such as hedgehog highways and bird and bat boxes. Newland Homes emphasized their commitment to sustainability, stating that the homes will produce negative carbon emissions through the integration of solar panels and air source heat pumps.
Councillors on the committee largely supported the project. Councillor Simon Wheeler (Liberal Democrat, Hesters Way) stated the proposals have “everything going for it” and saw no reason for rejection. Councillor Glenn Andrews (Liberal Democrat, Lansdown) echoed these views, calling it “about as good a plan as you could get on this plot.”
The council’s planning committee voted unanimously to grant permission, paving the way for the development to proceed.