Plans to redevelop the former Prinbox Works, a box-making and printing factory deemed an “ugly” eyesore, have been approved to create six new flats in Cheltenham’s Tivoli area. The factory, located on Lypiatt Street, will be demolished to make way for the residential development.
More than twenty local residents voiced objections, raising concerns about increased parking congestion, the design of the new buildings, potential loss of privacy, and the overall scale and form of the project. These issues prompted Councillor Jackie Chelin (Lib Dem, Park) to refer the application to Cheltenham Borough Council’s planning committee due to public disquiet.
At the December 18 committee meeting, Councillor Chelin highlighted worries about traffic flow, particularly the safety of exiting Saddlers Lane given existing parking near the corners of Tivoli Walk. While she acknowledged that the Prinbox Works had long been out of place and unattractive, she echoed views that the new design represented a “missed opportunity” to blend a sympathetic, contemporary style with the surrounding Victorian streetscape.
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Robert Maitland of Cheltenham Civic Society spoke in support of residential redevelopment but criticized the proposed design. He argued that, despite the unattractive current buildings, the new plans failed to complement the early and mid-Victorian terraces characteristic of the Tivoli area. Maitland expressed concern that large parking bays would create wide, empty spaces opening onto the pavement, which would be “completely out of character” and cause visual disruption. He also noted the minimal and insufficient outdoor amenity space.
Becky Brown, representing the developer, emphasized that key considerations included impacts on the conservation area, neighboring residents, tree preservation, and parking. She noted the architects had refined the scheme extensively and highlighted that planning officers viewed the project as a significant improvement for the site and its surroundings. Brown confirmed that the existing tree would be retained, only three on-street parking spaces would be lost, and each flat would include two off-road parking spaces.
During the debate, Councillor Simon Wheeler (Lib Dem, Hesters Way) emphasized the need for modern housing that reflects today’s needs rather than trying to replicate historical designs from the coal-fired spa town era. Councillor Iain Dobie (Lib Dem, College) supported the professional architects’ approach and voted in favor of the plan.
Ultimately, the council voted unanimously to approve the redevelopment, allowing the transformation of the Prinbox Works site into six flats despite ongoing concerns from local residents about parking and design.