A Cheltenham car boot sale has been granted permission to operate despite safety concerns raised about a newly constructed cycle path. Reg Daldry received authorization from Cheltenham Borough Council to hold car boot sales on an 18-acre parking site off the A435 Evesham Road, north of the spa town, for up to 14 days per year.
Previously used for coach parking during Cheltenham Racecourse events, the site also hosted car boot sales until 2014. The latest planning application, submitted by Cheltenham Car Boot and Market, proposes car boot sales on non-race days without any permanent development.
However, the proposal faced strong opposition, with dozens of residents expressing concerns. Gloucestershire Highways officers recommended refusal, citing safety risks. The main issue is the new two-way cycle path that cyclists use at potentially high speeds on a downhill stretch, which vehicles must cross to access the site.
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Despite these concerns, borough planners issued a certificate of lawful use, stating that the activity constitutes lawful development and does not require a formal planning application.
Mr. Daldry, who previously operated a car boot sale at Hempsted Meadows in Gloucester, expressed surprise at the objections from highways officials. “My planning consultant can’t believe we are in discussion about this because [highways] are the ones that designed [the cycleway],” he said. “The car park has been there for 30 years.”
Councillor Roger Whyborn, responsible for road safety, acknowledged ongoing congestion and safety challenges near the site. He emphasized the need to address risks linked to vehicles crossing the cycle path and confirmed that the County Council is actively seeking measures to improve driver behavior and enhance safety for all road users.