A planning application has been submitted to Cheltenham Borough Council seeking approval for four self-build homes on a former grazing field off Glenfall Way in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham. The site lies within the designated Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), surrounded largely by mature trees, with residential properties along the south-west boundary and Glenfall Primary School nearby.
The proposal consists of three five-bedroom dwellings and one four-bedroom home, designed to blend seamlessly into the natural environment. The development would be confined to the north-west corner of the field, preserving around 74% of the site as open space and maintaining views from Ryeworth Road. The homes will be built using natural materials such as stone and composite wood to reflect the character of the surrounding landscape.
Simon Steele-Perkins of Waddeton Park Ltd submitted the application, accompanied by a design and access statement from Coombes Everitt Architects outlining the sustainable approach. The scheme includes a new shared access road and carefully planned landscaping to retain the site’s rural feel. A new mown footpath will divert the current public right of way, reconnecting at the southeastern corner, and a looped footpath around the southern area is also proposed, enhancing local connectivity.
According to the planning statement prepared by Black Box Planning, the development’s layout steps down in scale towards the escarpment, with the smallest dwelling being a single-storey, flat-roofed building, minimizing its visual impact. Although the homes are for self-build, flexible material specifications are provided to allow thoughtful customization while maintaining cohesion.
The majority of the field will remain as a wildflower meadow, supporting biodiversity and preserving the open character of the site. Overall, the development aims to make efficient use of an under-utilized area by delivering a sensitive, sustainable scheme that respects the adjacent properties and natural surroundings.