Cheltenham’s ambitious £1 billion Golden Valley cyber campus and housing development has taken a significant step forward with Cheltenham Borough Council granting outline planning approval. The project by HBD Golden Valley Limited encompasses up to 576 homes alongside 1,353,002 square feet of cyber-focused commercial space, promising to secure the presence of GCHQ in the spa town for the next 50 years.
Spanning 68.2 acres, the development site includes council-owned land and public highway areas required for access at Fiddler’s Green. Notably, the scheme will be entirely electric, forgoing gas connections, aligning with sustainable development goals.
The council acknowledged financial viability challenges, resulting in an affordable housing provision of 26%—below the usual 35% target—and partial funding for infrastructure improvements, especially upgrades to junction 10 of the M5 motorway. The council sought contributions totaling £9 million: £3.7 million for a primary school, £1.7 million for junction 10 enhancements, and over £900,000 for new bus services.
READ MORE: How Two Friends Are Revitalising Hospitality and Drawing People Away from Netflix
READ MORE: ‘Guilty’ Kate Middleton Keeps Promise to Princess Charlotte with Heartfelt Wimbledon Visit
Cheltenham MP Max Wilkinson expressed strong support, highlighting the scheme’s potential to catalyze substantial job creation in cyber security—a core growth sector for the town. “This transformative project holds immense potential for the future prosperity of Cheltenham and the surrounding area,” he said. Wilkinson emphasized that the investment would solidify Cheltenham’s role as a national leader in both economic growth and strategic defense.
Despite the broad enthusiasm, concerns were voiced about funding for junction 10. Former mayor Bernie Fisher urged deferral of the application until full financial backing for the critical motorway junction is secured, warning of a £48 million shortfall and questioning the project’s infrastructure feasibility without it.
Representing the applicants, Matthew Robinson emphasized the national importance of bolstering cyber defenses. He described the development as a “once-in-a-generation multi-million pound” opportunity that would act as a hub for innovation and secure GCHQ’s long-term presence in Cheltenham.
Councillors largely backed the initiative as a catalyst for economic rejuvenation and housing supply expansion. Cllr Peter Jeffries labeled it a “huge opportunity” that could transform the town, while Cllr Tony Oliver stressed providing sustainable jobs for future generations. Others, like Cllr Jan Foster, raised reservations over the affordable housing shortfall, which influenced her opposition.
Councillor Barbara Clark underscored the critical need to confront modern cyber threats beyond political sensitivities, affirming support for the project despite being a pacifist. Cllr Iain Dobie, with a background at GCHQ, also backed the scheme’s strategic and social benefits.
The planning committee voted decisively to grant delegated authority for approval, nine in favor to one against, moving Cheltenham closer to realizing the Golden Valley vision—a cornerstone for its future prosperity, innovation, and national security.