Plans to build more than 120 homes in Shurdington, a village on Cheltenham’s outskirts, have been approved despite widespread community concerns about traffic congestion and the shrinking Green Belt between Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Ullenwood Investments Ltd received permission from Tewkesbury Borough Council to develop over 16 acres of farmland near Shurdington. The proposal involves demolishing an existing property, Shimba, to create access via Badgeworth Lane. Notably, the development will include at least 50% affordable housing, delivered in partnership with Bromford Housing.
More than 120 residents signed a petition opposing the plans, citing worries over increased traffic, strained local services, and the erosion of the Green Belt—a protected buffer intended to prevent urban sprawl between Cheltenham and Gloucester. Jim Bailey, a vocal critic, emphasized that the combined effect of this and other developments risks turning Shurdington and Badgeworth into a continuous urban zone, undermining Green Belt protections. He called for a delay to reassess the proposal in conjunction with nearby sites for a more comprehensive plan.
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Despite these concerns, planning officers maintained that the development aligns with council policies, highlighting Shurdington’s status as the largest and most well-serviced of 12 designated service villages in the area. The site was described as suitable for sustainable housing growth under current government guidelines.
Traffic calming measures are included in the plan, such as implementing a 20 mph speed limit in parts of the village, vehicle-activated speed signs, and improvements to the A46 junction encompassing enhanced bus stops, new footways, pedestrian crossings, and traffic lights. Highways officials noted that while on-street parking near schools is an issue, there have been no recorded collisions or major safety problems linked to current traffic conditions.
Councillors expressed mixed emotions. While some acknowledged the community’s anxiety and the cumulative impact of ongoing developments nibbling away at the Green Belt, they recognized a lack of solid grounds to refuse the application. After debate, the council voted to approve the housing scheme, albeit with reluctance from some members who voiced their concerns.
A broader assessment of the Green Belt’s future is underway, with findings expected to be published later in the year, which may influence future development decisions in this sensitive border area between Cheltenham and Gloucester.