Plans to transform the former Prinbox Works, a box-making and printing factory on Lypiatt Street, into six modern flats have been approved in Cheltenham, despite significant local opposition focused on parking and design concerns.
Over 20 residents objected to the redevelopment, citing fears of increased parking congestion, loss of privacy, the design’s incompatibility with the neighborhood, and the building’s scale and form. These concerns prompted Councillor Jackie Chelin (LD, Park) to refer the proposal to Cheltenham Borough Council’s planning committee for further scrutiny.
Speaking at the December 18 meeting at the Municipal Offices, Councillor Chelin stressed the potentially problematic egress from Saddlers Lane, where parked cars close to the corners of Tivoli Walk could impact traffic flow. “I have always felt the Prinbox Works were out of place, if not ugly,” she said. However, she acknowledged that some nearby residents, including an architect, view the plan as a “missed opportunity” to incorporate a more sympathetic and contemporary design that better complements the area’s Victorian character.
Robert Maitland, representing the Cheltenham Civic Society, supported residential development on the site but criticized the proposed design. He described the current buildings as unattractive and welcomed the chance for better housing but felt the new flats would not enhance the area’s appearance. “It wastes an opportunity to make the area more attractive,” Maitland said, highlighting concerns about large parking bays that create open spaces directly adjoining the pavement, which he called “completely out of character” and potentially unsettling. Additionally, he noted that the limited outdoor amenity space was “minimal and mean.”
Becky Brown, speaking on behalf of the developer, emphasized that the main considerations included impact on the conservation area, neighboring residents, tree preservation, and parking. She noted that the architects had refined the design extensively and that officers concluded the project would significantly improve the site and surroundings. Brown confirmed that a prominent tree would be retained, only three on-street parking spaces would be lost, and each of the six new homes would have two off-road parking spaces.
During the debate, Councillor Simon Wheeler (LD, Hesters Way) remarked that new homes shouldn’t mimic historic properties from the spa town’s past when heating relied on coal fires, highlighting the need for modern development. Councillor Iain Dobie (LD, College) agreed with the professional architects’ judgment and supported the project.
The planning committee ultimately voted unanimously to approve the plans, moving forward with the redevelopment despite the community’s parking and design concerns.