Residents of Gloucestershire’s Bishop’s Cleeve estate in Cleevelands have voiced deep frustration over Persimmon Homes’ extensive delay in delivering a promised community centre. Despite living in hundreds of new homes, the community has been waiting eight years for the facility that was intended to be a hub for social connection and support.
Local councillors Richard Stanley, leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, and Murray Stewart from Cleeve West ward have formally addressed their concerns in an open letter to Persimmon’s group chief executive, Dean Finch. They emphasize that the community centre is a “fundamental element” crucial to fostering social cohesion as the estate grew.
“The trigger points for delivery were reached seven to eight years ago,” the councillors stated, highlighting that many families have missed out on a space designed to bring neighbours together. They warn that the ongoing delay represents not just a lack of infrastructure but a loss of invaluable community opportunities.
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“It is becoming increasingly difficult to explain to residents why, after such a long wait, no planning application has yet been submitted,” the letter adds.
Councillor Stanley told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the community has persistently engaged with Persimmon in hopes of securing the centre. “After eight long years, residents understandably feel abandoned,” he said. “This close-knit community would have greatly benefitted from a shared space for events and activities. Instead, they have had to fight for infrastructure that should have come hand in hand with the housing.”
Persimmon Homes has issued an apology for the delays and confirmed plans to submit a planning application in June. A company spokesperson explained that the layout is being updated following drainage scheme feedback, and they intend to work closely with the council to complete the application and construction as quickly as possible.