Plans for Elms Park, a sprawling new ‘dormitory town’ expected to house 8,800 people near Cheltenham, have passed a key planning hurdle. The proposed development, located by junction 10 of the M5 motorway off the A4019 near Uckington, was reviewed and recommended for approval by Tewkesbury Borough Council on May 29. The project will also be assessed by Cheltenham Borough Council shortly.
Spanning 4,115 homes set to be built over 20 years in multiple phases, Elms Park has stirred strong opposition. More than 100 objections and resistance from seven surrounding villages cite concerns including traffic congestion, pollution, strain on health and local services, as well as design, environmental, and road safety issues. Local residents and groups worry the development could result in an environmental disaster, citing threats to landscape views, flooding risks, and archaeological sites.
Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has also expressed concerns, warning of possible legal action due to a lack of agreed funding for a new £1.5 million police station planned as part of the development.
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Despite opposition, the Elms Park Consortium—led by prominent housebuilders Bloor Homes and Persimmon Homes—highlights the scheme’s economic benefits. With an anticipated £2.5 billion investment, it aims to deliver 1,000 affordable homes and create up to 4,000 jobs, including 30 apprenticeships annually during construction. The proposal also includes a 10-hectare business park and projects generating £300 million in annual economic value for the region.
The site lies outside the green belt and aligns with regional planning policies jointly set by Gloucester, Cheltenham, and Tewkesbury. Supporters emphasize the planned infrastructure: new schools, healthcare facilities, community centers, sports hubs, and improved transport links including a park-and-ride interchange with electric vehicle charging.
At the Tewkesbury meeting, local parish council chairman Peter Badham voiced concerns over significant environmental impact, drainage inadequacies, loss of valuable farmland and historic sites, and inadequate consultation with residents. He described the development as potentially an “environmental disaster” and urged refusal.
Conversely, planning agents argued the development is consistent with council strategies and underlines vital economic growth and housing needs. They detailed commitments to a variety of housing types, significant community investments, and sustainable design by award-winning builders.
Council members debated issues such as drainage infrastructure, traffic improvements at junction 10, noise and odor concerns near a landfill site, and equitable distribution of affordable homes. While some councillors acknowledged the complexity and weight of the decision, a majority agreed to delegate approval authority to officers, subject to stringent conditions and phased implementation oversight.
Overall, Elms Park stands as one of the most significant developments tackled locally in recent years, balancing substantial opportunity against sizeable community and environmental challenges.